Kylian Mbappé has taken sides in the battle for the Ballon d'Or. Although he still has a chance to win it if he claims victory at the Club World Cup with Real Madrid, he has decided to withdraw from the race for good. At this point, he seems certain that he doesn't deserve this individual award, just like his teammate Vinícius Júnior or his rival Lamine Yamal. Speaking during the training camp with France, he couldn't have been more emphatic.
Neither Lamine Yamal nor Vinícius: Mbappé backs Dembélé
Asked at a press conference about the Ballon d'Or, Mbappé didn't hold back and was emphatic. "Would I vote for Dembélé? Yes. Do you really need me to explain it? We're talking about Lamine Yamal and Dembélé, I'm for Dembélé. It's very clear!" he stated.
In this regard, Mbappé added: "Things change very quickly, as the last winners showed. We weren't talking about certain players who ended up winning. Will it be in September? Many things will happen between now and then, but today we're talking about Ousmane and Lamine. That's why I answered that."
Dembélé is the top favorite for the Ballon d'Or: surpasses Mbappé, Lamine, and Vini
Ousmane Dembélé has rightfully earned the status of top favorite for the next Ballon d'Or. At 28 years old, the French winger has completed the best season of his career with Paris Saint-Germain, posting impressive numbers of 33 goals and 15 assists in 49 matches. In addition, he has been key in winning the treble: Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Champions League.
The former Barça player has excelled brightly in all the major events. His imbalance, dribbling, speed, and decision-making have been decisive for PSG to dominate Europe for the first time in their history. Throughout the entire Champions League campaign, he was MVP, sealing his definitive candidacy for the most prestigious award in world soccer.
Although the competition is fierce, with names like Lamine Yamal, Mbappé, or Vinícius Júnior in the race... The numbers and titles back Dembélé as the main favorite. His impact has been global and his consistency, impeccable.
In Paris, they're convinced: Dembélé has stopped being a promise and has become a true star. If the Ballon d'Or rewards performance and titles, the Frenchman has a clear advantage. Everything suggests this will be his year, even being blessed by Mbappé himself.