Former Real Madrid talisman Gareth Bale has tipped Paris Saint Germain winger Ousmane Dembele to win this year’s Ballon d’Or award.
Dembele, 28, enjoyed a hugely successful 2024-25 campaign, leading the French side to a historic treble win, including a first-ever UEFA Champions League crown.
The Frenchman has racked up 35 goals and 16 assists, with notable performances in the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup tournament, where he has scored consecutive goals against Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, leading his side to the final of the competition.
Barcelona’s teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal is also a top contender for the prestigious award, although Gareth Bale has named Dembele as his preferred choice.
Read this: Rashford tips Yamal for Ballon d’Or
“Yeah, I think so. I think you also have to look what the teams have won,” Bale told ESPN.
“I think everyone obviously talks about individuals, but I think if you are winning those trophies as well, you’re winning the Champions league, obviously they’ve won their domestic treble, if they win again the Club World Cup, it’s hard to see anyone else from the season he’s had and he’s transformed them into trophies as well as the season he’s had”, he continued.
Following an injury layoff that forced him to miss PSG’s opening three games of the Club World Cup, Dembele’s performances since his return to action has been sensational, potentially boosting his chances.
Check this out: Konate backs Dembele to win Ballon d’Or
PSG face Chelsea in the final of the newly-expanded FIFA Club World Cup tournament at the MetLife Stadium on Sunday, hoping to cap off an extraordinary campaign with victory.
“It does make him the front runner by some way in my opinion”, Bale added.
The 2025 Ballon d’Or award ceremony is scheduled to take place on the 22nd of September, with the nominees set to be announced next month.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
One Response