Kylian Mbappe is firmly backing Ousmane Dembele for the Ballon d’Or, citing his pivotal role in PSG’s Champions League victory and impressive individual statistics. Mbappe emphasizes Dembele’s deservingness and highlights his contributions, while also acknowledging the competition from other top players. Mbappe’s endorsement underscores Dembele’s significant impact and potential for individual recognition.
Kylian Mbappe has thrown his weight behind Ousmane Dembele for Ballon d'Or glory, stating he would personally deliver the coveted trophy to his former Paris Saint-Germain teammate. Dembele's stellar performances, particularly during PSG's triumphant Champions League campaign, have earned him high praise from Mbappe, who believes his compatriot is a deserving candidate for the prestigious individual award.
Dembele was instrumental in PSG's historic Champions League victory under the guidance of Luis Enrique. The Parisians also secured the Ligue 1 title and the Coupe de France, completing a remarkable treble. Dembele's contribution to this success was significant, as he amassed an impressive 46 goal involvements (33 goals and 13 assists) across all competitions in the 2024-25 season. He further showcased his talent by scoring twice en route to the Club World Cup final in the summer.
Mbappe acknowledged the fierce competition for the Ballon d'Or, highlighting the exceptional seasons enjoyed by Mohamed Salah (57 goal involvements), Raphinha (56), and Harry Kane (53). Mbappe himself matched Dembele's tally after an outstanding debut season with Real Madrid, further emphasizing the high caliber of players vying for the award. However, Mbappe's endorsement of Dembele underscores his belief in the Frenchman's unique talent and impact on the game.
In addition to his goal-scoring prowess, Dembele also demonstrated his playmaking abilities, becoming the first player since Marcelo in 2018 to provide two assists in a Champions League final. His contribution was pivotal in PSG's dominant 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the final held in Munich. This performance solidified Dembele's reputation as a game-changing player capable of influencing the outcome of major matches.
Mbappe is also on the Ballon d'Or shortlist, alongside his Real Madrid teammates Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham. Mbappe had a record-breaking debut season with Real Madrid, surpassing Ivan Zamorano's record of 37 goals in the maiden campaign, setting a new benchmark of 43 goals in all competitions. Despite his own impressive achievements, Mbappe's public support for Dembele highlights his selflessness and appreciation for his teammate's contributions.
While players from Real Madrid's Clasico rivals, Barcelona, are also expected to contend for the Ballon d'Or, Mbappe remains steadfast in his support for Dembele. Raphinha and Lamine Yamal have had outstanding seasons for Hansi Flick's Barcelona side, adding further depth to the pool of potential winners. Yamal, in particular, has impressed with his dribbling skills, completing more dribbles (244) than any other player in Europe's top five leagues, while also contributing 18 goals and 21 assists.
Raphinha has also been a key player for Barcelona, equalling Cristiano Ronaldo's Champions League record from 2013-14 of 21 goal contributions in a single season in the competition. Only Lionel Messi, with 14 goals in the 2011-12 campaign, has scored more goals for Barcelona in a single season than Raphinha's 13. However, Mbappe's unwavering support for Dembele reflects his belief that the PSG star is the most deserving candidate for the Ballon d'Or.
Mbappe, in an interview with TF1, expressed his strong conviction in Dembele's chances, stating, "Does Ousmane Dembele deserve it? Of course. If it were up to me, I'd deliver it to his house." He also acknowledged the contributions of other players, including Achraf Hakimi, emphasizing the importance of recognizing defenders. When questioned about Lamine Yamal, Mbappe acknowledged his talent but alluded to his Barcelona affiliation as a factor. "I hope Achraf Hakimi will be well-placed because we need to give defenders their due. Lamine Yamal? Well, no, he’s a Barcelona player. But he’s a very good player.”
Mbappe and Real Madrid have made a strong start to the 2025-26 season, with the 26-year-old scoring three goals in Los Blancos' three games, all of which they have won. The team is adapting well under the guidance of new manager Xabi Alonso, who returned to the club this summer to replace Carlo Ancelotti. Mbappe is optimistic about the team's prospects for the season, expressing his determination to win silverware after a trophyless campaign domestically in his debut year in the Spanish capital.
"I had a great impression of him," Mbappe said about Xabi Alonso to BILD. You see a guy who wants to succeed. He knows the club perfectly because he played for Real Madrid himself. At the moment, we’re just trying to implement what he tells us. We’re trying to understand the game plan he has for us – and then we’ll see what happens. Our start was good with three wins, of course, which is really positive, but we have to improve, we have to keep working, we have to keep pushing ourselves because we know how difficult it is to win trophies. I think we learned a lot from last season, but it’s time to show what we’ve learned. Of course, that will take some time. This season is really important for the club, but we’re also approaching the World Cup, so it’s also important for every player who wants to get there, including me.”