With the finalists of the 2026 Ballon d’Or set to be announced, Ousmane Dembele doesn’t see himself as a repeat winner.
The 2025 recipient won rather comfortably for his role in PSG’s first Champions League win, but is ready to step out of the spotlight this term.
“I don’t think this trophy is up for grabs,” he told L’Equipe. “I think it will remain in the hands of a Paris Saint-Germain player.
“My top three? All mixed up: Kvara [Khvicha Kvaratskhelia], Harry Kane, who had a very, very good season, and I think Kylian Mbappe.”
Dembele won’t vote for himself
Asked if he’s in the running, he added: “Oh no, I never put myself in things like that. I never vote for myself. If I were the one speaking, I wouldn’t vote for myself.
“Then there are plenty more. Michael Olise could be in it because he had an incredible season. He was the best player in the Bundesliga.
“Lamine Yamal too. Fabian Ruiz, Pacho… We tend to forget about him, Pacho. I hope we don’t forget him this year, because he deserves it. ”
The Ballon d’Or nominees will be announced imminently with a number of other categories already revealed by France Football.
They are:
Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year Nominees
Yassine Bounou (Al Hilal, Morocco)
Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid, Belgium)
Joan García (Barcelona, Spain)
Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund, Switzerland)
Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa, Chelsea, Argentina)
Edouard Mendy (Al Ahli, Senegal)
David Raya (Arsenal, Spain)
Matvey Safonov (Paris Saint-Germain, Russia)
Unai Simón (Athletic Club, Spain)
Vozinha (Chaves, Colo-Colo, Cabo Verde)
Men’s Coach of the Year Nominees
Mikel Arteta (Arsenal)
Luis de la Fuente (Spain)
Unai Emery (Aston Villa)
Vincent Kompany (Bayern Munich)
Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain)
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