Luis Enrique’s Bold Claim: “Give the Ballon d’Or to Ousmane Dembélé! Zero Doubts. He Deserves It”
In a world where Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé dominate headlines, Luis Enrique’s emphatic endorsement of Ousmane Dembélé for the Ballon d’Or has sent shockwaves through the football community. “Give the Ballon d’Or to Ousmane Dembélé! ZERO DOUBTS. He deserves it,” the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) manager proclaimed. But is this statement grounded in reality or simply a manager backing his player? Let's dive deep into Dembélé’s numbers, his impact, and how he stacks up against the competition.
🔥 Dembélé's 2024/25 Season by the Numbers
Ousmane Dembélé’s resurgence at PSG this season has been nothing short of electric. After years of battling inconsistency and injuries, he has emerged as one of the most dynamic attackers in world football. His stats speak for themselves:
Goals: 19 in all competitions
Assists: 21 – the highest among Europe’s top 5 leagues
Key Passes per Game: 3.1
Dribbles Completed per Game: 5.6 – ranked #1 in Ligue 1
Chances Created: 95 – ahead of the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Kevin De Bruyne
Big Game Impact: Direct goal contributions in Champions League quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final
This level of output doesn’t just hint at world-class form—it screams it. He’s not just putting up flashy numbers; he’s doing it in high-pressure moments when it matters most.
🧠 Why Dembélé Deserves the Ballon d’Or
1. Versatility and Intelligence
Dembélé isn’t just a winger who hugs the touchline. He’s evolved into a complete playmaker, equally dangerous cutting inside or delivering with either foot. His vision and passing range have elevated him into a central attacking force at PSG.
2. Winning Mentality
PSG’s treble-winning campaign—clinching Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and the UEFA Champions League—has Dembélé’s fingerprints all over it. His Champions League final performance against Manchester City, where he scored one and assisted another, cemented his status as a match-winner.
3. Leadership through Action
While he may not wear the captain’s armband, Dembélé has emerged as a leader on the pitch. He tracks back, presses relentlessly, and sets the tone with his energy and determination.
4. Overcoming the Odds
Injuries once threatened to derail his career. But this season, Dembélé has played more minutes than any other PSG attacker. His transformation from “unreliable talent” to “world-beater” is a narrative arc voters won’t ignore.
🆚 The Ballon d’Or 2025 Contenders: How Dembélé Compares
Kylian Mbappé
Despite another excellent individual season, Mbappé was somewhat overshadowed at PSG by Dembélé’s creative brilliance. With 27 goals but fewer assists and less involvement in play-building, Mbappé might finish just short.
Jude Bellingham
The Real Madrid star has been phenomenal in La Liga and Europe, but missed out on major silverware. His Ballon d’Or case weakened after a poor showing in the Champions League semis.
Erling Haaland
Another goal-heavy season, but Manchester City’s early Champions League exit and failure to dominate domestically dent his chances.
Lionel Messi
The 8-time Ballon d’Or winner had an impressive year in the MLS and with Argentina, but the competition level and lack of Champions League involvement may hurt his vote tally.
Verdict: Dembélé edges ahead thanks to a rare combination of individual brilliance, team success, and narrative.
🗣️ Luis Enrique’s Vote of Confidence: More Than Just Manager Talk?
Luis Enrique’s praise carries weight. As a former treble-winning manager with Barcelona and current PSG boss, he knows what Ballon d’Or-level excellence looks like. Enrique has worked with Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Luis Suárez in their primes. His belief in Dembélé isn’t just emotional—it’s tactical and analytical.
“He’s the most complete winger I’ve ever coached,” Enrique said in a recent press conference. “He reads the game, controls the tempo, and destroys defenders with ease. He’s not just having a good season—he’s redefining what a winger can be.”
💬 What the Football World Is Saying
Pundits and fans alike are beginning to rally behind Dembélé. Former France legend Thierry Henry recently remarked, “If Dembélé stays fit, he’s unplayable. This season, he’s proven he’s more than potential—he’s the finished product.”
Social media has exploded with support, with the hashtag #BallonForDembele trending after the Champions League final.
⚽ Conclusion: A Ballon d’Or Worthy Campaign
In a Ballon d’Or race filled with high-profile names and goal-scoring machines, Ousmane Dembélé stands out not just for his numbers, but for the story he represents—a comeback, a transformation, and a level of football brilliance that deserves the ultimate individual accolade.
If the Ballon d’Or is about more than just goals—if it’s about influence, artistry, and rising when it matters most—then Luis Enrique might be right.
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