Dembélé Faces Scrutiny as Ballon d'Or Hopes Fade After Lackluster Performances
Ousmane Dembélé’s Ballon d'Or Ambitions Under Threat After Recent Struggles
Paris, July 13, 2025 – Ousmane Dembélé, once the clear frontrunner for the 2025 Ballon d'Or, now finds himself at the center of intense scrutiny following a series of underwhelming performances for both Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and the French national team. Despite a season that began with promise and statistical dominance, Dembélé’s impact has waned in crucial moments, casting doubt on his candidacy for football’s most prestigious individual honor.
A Season of Highs and Lows: Dembélé’s Journey in 2024–25
The 2024–25 campaign was, by many metrics, the most productive of Dembélé’s career. Under the guidance of coach Luis Enrique, he found a new level of consistency, staying largely injury-free and establishing himself as a pivotal figure in PSG’s attack. Over 51 matches, Dembélé recorded 34 goals and 15 assists, numbers that would typically cement a player’s status as a Ballon d'Or favorite.
His contributions were vital in PSG’s Champions League triumph, a feat that reignited the club’s continental ambitions and placed Dembélé squarely in the international spotlight. He also played a key role in PSG’s run to the Club World Cup final, scoring in the early stages against Real Madrid to help his side to a 2-0 lead.
The Turning Point: Missed Opportunities on the Biggest Stage
Despite his strong start, Dembélé’s form faltered at a critical juncture. In the Nations League semifinals against Spain, he struggled to make an impact, failing to register a shot or a cross in a match where France looked to him for inspiration. The disappointment was compounded in the Club World Cup final loss to Chelsea, where Dembélé again failed to score or decisively influence the outcome.
Analysts and fans alike have noted the pattern: while Dembélé excelled during the regular season, his influence diminished in the matches that mattered most. These performances have led many to question his ability to deliver under pressure, a crucial criterion for Ballon d'Or consideration.
Public Reaction and Media Debate
The public response has been swift and polarized. On social media and football forums, supporters argue that Dembélé’s overall season merits recognition, pointing to his role in PSG’s historic treble and his statistical superiority over rivals like Lamine Yamal and Mohamed Salah. Critics, however, contend that his lack of decisive moments in finals and semifinals undermines his case, especially when compared to competitors who have delivered in clutch situations.
“Dembele has been instrumental in leading PSG to their Champions League victory and securing an international treble… I believe Dembele deserves the Ballon d'Or by a wide margin,” wrote one supporter, highlighting the debate’s intensity.
Others, however, remain unconvinced:
“Any single one of their players aren’t as great as people think, especially Dembele who is just another good player in a sea of plenty other good players… Salah would probably be a much more reasonable winner of such an award than Dembele,” countered a dissenting voice.
The Ballon d'Or Race: A Shifting Landscape
The Ballon d'Or, awarded annually by France Football, is determined by a panel of international journalists who rank their top ten players based on individual and team performance, talent, and sportsmanship. The 2025 edition will see the winner crowned at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris on September 22, with the full list of nominees set to be unveiled on August 7.
While Dembélé led the odds following PSG’s Champions League victory, his recent dip in form has opened the door for rivals. Lamine Yamal, the Barcelona prodigy, and Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s talisman, have both mounted strong cases with their own impressive campaigns. Bookmakers still list Dembélé as a favorite, but his margin has narrowed considerably.
Historical Context: The Weight of Expectations
Dembélé’s predicament is not unique. The Ballon d'Or has often eluded players who failed to shine in decisive matches, regardless of their season-long brilliance. The award’s history is replete with examples of frontrunners who lost momentum late in the campaign, only to be overtaken by rivals who delivered when it mattered most.
For French football, the stakes are particularly high. With PSG’s dominance on the domestic and European fronts, there was hope that a French player would reclaim the Ballon d'Or for the first time since Karim Benzema’s triumph in 2022. Dembélé’s struggles have reignited debates about the pressure faced by French stars and their ability to convert club success into individual accolades.
Economic Impact: What Dembélé’s Ballon d'Or Bid Means for PSG and Ligue 1
The Ballon d'Or carries significant economic implications for both the player and his club. A win would elevate Dembélé’s global profile, potentially increasing his market value and endorsement opportunities. For PSG and Ligue 1, a Ballon d'Or victory would bolster the league’s reputation, attracting sponsors and boosting international viewership.
However, the fading of Dembélé’s candidacy could have the opposite effect. With the Premier League and La Liga rivals gaining ground, Ligue 1 risks being overshadowed in the global football narrative. The outcome of the Ballon d'Or race may influence transfer strategies, marketing campaigns, and even the league’s ability to retain top talent.
Regional Comparisons: Europe’s Elite and the Ballon d'Or Race
Dembélé’s situation mirrors broader trends in European football. In Spain, Lamine Yamal’s meteoric rise has captivated fans, while in England, Salah’s consistency and goal-scoring prowess have kept Liverpool in contention for major honors. Both players, like Dembélé, have faced scrutiny over their performances in high-stakes matches, highlighting the unforgiving nature of elite competition.
In Germany and Italy, no clear Ballon d'Or contender has emerged, underscoring the dominance of French, Spanish, and English clubs in the current era. The shifting balance of power in European football is reflected in the Ballon d'Or shortlist, with players from PSG, Barcelona, and Liverpool leading the conversation.
What’s Next for Dembélé?
With the Ballon d'Or ceremony approaching, Dembélé faces a race against time to revive his candidacy. The official list of nominees will be released in August, leaving little room for redemption. Unless he can deliver a standout performance in the remaining fixtures or benefit from a shift in media sentiment, his hopes may rest on the strength of his early-season exploits.
For now, Dembélé remains a symbol of both the promise and the pitfalls of modern football stardom: a player capable of brilliance, yet haunted by the weight of expectation and the unforgiving glare of the spotlight.
Conclusion: A Ballon d'Or Dream in Jeopardy
Ousmane Dembélé’s Ballon d'Or journey encapsulates the drama and unpredictability of elite football. Once the favorite, he now finds his legacy under threat, his ambitions clouded by recent disappointments. As the football world awaits the unveiling of the 2025 Ballon d'Or nominees, one question remains: can Dembélé reclaim his place among the game’s immortals, or will his season be remembered as a story of unfulfilled promise?