Pogba backs Dembele over Yamal in Ballon d’Or race
Paul Pogba has thrown his full support behind Ousmane Dembele in the race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, warning that this season may be the PSG star’s last real chance to win the coveted award.
During a Twitch livestream with American YouTuber IShowSpeed, the former Manchester United and Juventus midfielder, now at AS Monaco, championed Dembele as his top pick.
Pogba cited Dembele’s decisive impact in Paris Saint-Germain’s treble-winning campaign as justification, saying the winger’s performances in the UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1, and Coupe de France made him the standout candidate.
Dembele racked up 35 goals and 16 assists in the 2024–25 season, spearheading PSG’s dominance, although they fell short at the Club World Cup final, losing to Chelsea.
Despite that, Pogba believes Dembele’s overall contribution puts him ahead of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and Barcelona teammate Raphinha, both of whom starred in Barça’s La Liga and Copa del Rey triumphs.
“The Ballon d’Or? For me, Dembele will always be ahead of Yamal!” Pogba declared. “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.”
The Ballon d’Or shortlist is set for release on August 7 and the ceremony slated for September 22 in Paris.
