"He has not had a single player better than him" - Lucas Hernandez backs France teammate to win 2025 Ballon d'Or
Lucas Hernandez has backed his PSG and France teammate Ousmane Dembele to win the 2025 Ballon d'Or. He believes Dembele has been the best player in the world this season and should be the winner.
Speaking to Telefoot (via FootMercato), Hernandez said that Dembele has been decisive in most of the matches for PSG and has played a key role in their treble-winning season. He said:
"If I want to give Ousmane Ballon d'Or? Of course, I'm the first. He had a fantastic season at all levels. He was decisive in front of the goal, decisive in the game, and decisive by being the first to always defend. He's an exceptional player. And even, I think, that season, on a personal level, there wasn't a single player better than him. For me, the French, and even abroad, I hope that they will vote for him because he deserves it."
PSG manager Luis Enrique also named Dembele as his choice for the award this season and said:
“The Ballon d’Or should be Ousmane Dembélé. He deserves it. No doubts at all."
PSG won the treble for the first time in their history this season. They sealed the Ligue1 title before winning the Coupe de France and UEFA Champions League to finish the season. Dembele scored 33 goals and provided 15 assists in 49 appearances across competitions in the 2024-25 season.
"It’s something you dream about when you’re little" - Ousmane Dembele on Ballon d'Or
Ousmane Dembele spoke to France Football and joked that he would be happy with a nomination to the Top 30 of the Ballon d'Or. He stated that the award is every player's dream and something he has always been chasing. He said (via Yahoo):
"These are difficult things to say. But winning a Ballon d’Or when you’re a soccer player is obviously the Holy Grail individually. It’s something you dream about when you’re little. I remember back when it was on Téléfoot, watching the players line up to receive the Ballon d’Or; it was incredible. The award is exceptional.”
“I hope to be among the thirty nominees already. (Smiles.) I’ve had some difficult years with injuries and poor performances too… This season, I think I’ve performed well, so we’ll see what happens. It would be exceptional to have my name on the list. And being one of the favourites is already a great victory, even if I hope to win it one day.”
Ousmane Dembele faces competition from Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Mohamed Salah for the award.