Paul Pogba has thrown his support behind his former team-mate Osmane Dembele as the Ballon d'Or race intensifies, backing him over Lamine Yamal.
Pogba openly declares Dembele the Ballon d'Or favouriteDembele posts 35 goals, 16 assists in PSG's successful seasonBallon d'Or winner to be announced in Paris on September 22Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The former Manchester United and Juventus midfielder publicly named Dembele as his pick for the 2025 Ballon d'Or during a Twitch stream with American YouTuber IShowSpeed. Pogba, now at Monaco believes Dembele's decisive performances and his crucial role in helping Paris Saint-Germain secure the Champions League, Ligue 1, and Coupe de France titles in the 2024-25 season make him the deserved winner.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Dembele registered 35 goals and 16 assists, playing a significant role in PSG's historic clean sweep of domestic and continental trophies, though they lost out on the Club World Cup by losing to Chelsea in the final. Pogba's comments add weight to a mounting narrative favouring Dembele over young rivals, especially Yamal, as the Ballon d'Or voting narrows before the September 22 ceremony in Paris.
WHAT POGBA SAID?
Pogba was vocal for the French international, saying: "The Ballon d'Or? For me, Dembele will always be ahead of Yamal! I support Dembele 100%. He won the Champions League, he was very important this season. If he doesn't win it this year, he'll never get it. Hakimi and Vitinha were very good too. But Dembele is the favourite for the Ballon d'Or."
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR DEMBELE?
Dembele will await the Ballon d'Or nominee shortlist, set to be released on August 7, with the gala scheduled for September 22. However, he faces a big challenge from Barcelona teenager Yamal and Brazil attacker Raphinha, who both enjoyed sensational seasons as the Catalan side won La Liga and the Copa del Rey.
