How Mbappe’s PSG Exit Paved Way for Dembele’s Ballon d’Or Charge

How Mbappe’s PSG Exit Paved Way for Dembele’s Ballon d’Or Charge

Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele is enjoying the season of his life, and many now see him as the leading contender for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

The 28-year-old French forward has been instrumental in PSG’s treble-winning campaign, helping them secure the Champions League, Ligue 1, and Coupe de France. Now, Dembele and his teammates are one step away from adding the Club World Cup to their glittering haul.

His rise has coincided with the departure of Kylian Mbappe, PSG’s all-time top scorer, to Real Madrid last summer. Without Mbappe’s shadow, Dembele has flourished, both as a talisman and as a clinical finisher in a new tactical role under Luis Enrique.

“If he doesn’t win it, there’s a problem with the Ballon d’Or”

Dembele has racked up 34 goals and 15 assists in 51 games, operating centrally as a false nine, where he has thrived on responsibility and freedom.

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has openly backed his star forward:

“Ousmane’s season is magnificent. If he doesn’t win it, there is a problem with the Ballon d’Or.”

Even Kylian Mbappe, now at Real Madrid, believes his former teammate deserves the accolade.

“Would I vote for Dembele? Yes. My choice is clear,” Mbappe said last month.

From Barca’s most-fined player to PSG’s leader

Dembele’s career hasn’t been without its struggles. His six-year spell at Barcelona was marred by injuries and off-field issues, earning him the tag of the club’s most-fined player due to lateness and discipline concerns.

The turning point came in December 2021 when he married his partner Rima and later became a father. A change in lifestyle, improved nutrition, and a dedicated support team have since transformed him into a model professional.

At PSG, Luis Enrique urged him to take on a more selfish, goalscoring role after Mbappe’s exit. The results speak for themselves as Dembele has stepped up, delivering consistently on the biggest stages.

Dembele vs Mbappe: The Shift of Power

• Dembele (2024-25): 34 goals, 15 assists

• Mbappe (2023-24 at PSG): 44 goals, 10 assists

• PSG won the Champions League after Mbappe’s exit

With PSG now built around Dembele, his evolution from Barcelona’s inconsistent winger to Paris’ leader could culminate in him lifting the Ballon d’Or in September.

What’s Next?

Dembele will face Real Madrid and Mbappe in the Club World Cup semi-final at the MetLife Stadium, New York, in what promises to be a blockbuster showdown between former teammates and Ballon d’Or rivals.