Famous Spanish journalist Javi Miguel believes that Ousmane Dembélé’s chances of winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or have diminished after his loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the 2025 Club World Cup.
Despite playing the full match, Dembélé performed poorly in the final against Chelsea, which PSG lost 3-0. The Frenchman was held partially responsible for his lack of attacking play.
Miguel believes that Dembélé’s performance in the final and the loss to Paris Saint-Germain were the best gift the former Barcelona player could have given to Lamine Yamal on his 18th birthday, which he celebrated yesterday.
The World Cup final loss was Dembélé’s second setback in less than a month, after he was eliminated from the UEFA Nations League with France in the semi-finals against Spain. He failed to contribute in both matches and received harsh criticism.
For Miguel, what has happened over the past month will significantly reduce the number of Dembélé voters, whether from players, coaches, or journalists, and will boost Yamal’s chances, considering that the two players’ seasons have become almost equal.
The young Spanish player led Barcelona to the domestic treble (La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Super Cup) and was eliminated from the Champions League in the semifinals, while Dembélé shone, leading his team to the title, and PSG launched a major campaign to win him the Ballon d’Or.
But now, things seem even, with Dembélé having a relative advantage due to the Champions League, and Yamal’s chances, and perhaps Rafinha as well, have returned to winning the award, which will be presented next September in Paris.
