Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaif has jetted into the French capital from America for the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony after originally planning to stay Stateside. His club's star forward Ousmane Dembele is the favourite to be crowned the best player in the world on Monday night in Paris but faces competition from Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal.
Al-Khelaifi changes Ballon d'Or plans
The PSG chief had not originally been expected to attend the Ballon d'Or but has changed his plans, according to reporter Ben Jacobs. Al-Khelaif has decided to fly back to Paris to represent the club at the ceremony. The move may well be taken as a sign that Dembele will indeed be crowned the best male player in the world on Monday night.
AdvertisementAFPPSG backing Dembele for victory
Al-Khelaifi has previously called for journalists to cast their vote honestly for the Ballon d'Or and acknowledged that Dembele is the favourite for victory. He said: "For sure, he is. Dembele is an amazing player, an amazing striker, and he works really hard for the team. And an amazing person also. I think all of you guys know that, so I hope everybody gives [their] honest opinion."
Doue and Neves to join Dembele at ceremony
Dembele will be present at the ceremony as he is currently sidelined with injury for PSG. He is expected to be joined by team-mates Desire Doue and Joao Neves who have also been ruled out of action with injury, per RMC Sport.
(C)GOALPSG face Marseille on same night as Ballon d'Or
Al-Khelaifi's decision was also made after PSG's Ligue 1 clash with Marseille was rearranged for the same time as the Ballon d'Or ceremony. The game was due to be played on Sunday but was rescheduled due to poor weather, meaning PSG may be light on representatives at the Ballon d'Or ceremony as they will be needed for the team's Classique clash.
