Ousmane Dembele will win the Ballon d’Or according to prediction markets
source Reto Stauffer
Ousmane Dembele is one of the biggest names in football and could soon be set for even greater super stardom and acknowledgement after being tipped to win the Ballon d'Or. The Paris Saint-Germain frontman enjoyed a stellar campaign for the French giants during the 2024/25 season and is in line to scoop the prestigious football award. According to the experts, Dembele is set to come out on top ahead of a host of top players after shining in Ligue 1 and the Champions League.
This article will look ahead to the Ballon d'Or event, assess which other players are in the running and focus on why Dembele is leading the way.
What the Markets Say
Dembele is set to be crowned with the Ballon d'or after being one of 30 players nominated for the iconic football prize. That's what the latest reports claim in the sports media who have written countless reports on the player's incredible skills and achievements over the last twelve months. When also checking out what the bookies reckon, the forward is one of the heavy favourites to win the award.
If you are keen to wager on the Ballon d'Or, there are a variety of football betting platforms out there to choose from. It is important to compare and assess a range of different sites so that you can find the one which best suits your betting style, needs and preferences. Predicting the winner will enhance your viewing of the award ceremony while also boosting your personal interest in who comes out on top.
What has Dembele Achieved this Year?
The France international had a stunning campaign for PSG last season, helping the club lift a crazy amount of silverware. Dembele scored 35 goals in 53 appearances as his side won Ligue 1, the Coupe de France and the French Super Cup. However, the real pinnacle was lifting the Champions League as the 28-year-old played a key role in spearheading the side's push to the final which they won 5-1 against Inter Milan at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
Dembele put in a number of brilliant displays throughout the campaign and the fact his performances also led to trophy wins just adds to the triumph and boosts his standing among the best players on the planet. While the winger has always possessed supreme ability, he has now added real consistency and effectiveness to his game and this has been realised by winning almost every week.
Dembele's Story to this Point
The forward started his career with Rennes and swiftly earned a move to Borussia Dortmund shortly before his 19th birthday. Spending a season in Germany, Dembele scored six goals and recorded 13 assists. It was this form which led to him being named in the Bundesliga Team of the Season and awarded the 'Rookie of the Season' award.
Dembele then joined Barcelona and shared a pitch with Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta. In Spain, the forward won three LaLiga titles and the Copa del Rey twice. Making 185 appearances for the Catalan side, Dembele was an important member of the team and secured his place as one of the top players in Europe. Since signing for PSG in 2023, his game has gone up a level and now in his prime, he is having a hugely positive effect on the team every time he takes to the field.
Who are Dembele's Main Rivals for the Title?
Mohamed Salah, Lamine Yamal and Cole Palmer are all in the running for the Ballon d'Or and so should Dembele clinch the main prize it will just prove how impressive the winger has been over the last year.
Yamal is currently considered the best young talent in the world having put in a string of incredible performances for Barcelona despite having only turned 18 this summer. Salah and Palmer meanwhile are among the star names in the Premier League with the former helping Liverpool to the title and latter helping Chelsea return to the Champions League.
Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane, Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham and Serie A winner Scott McTominay have also been nominated and so it will be fascinating who scoops the prize.
How is the Winner Decided?
This year's ceremony will be held on September 22 and is taking place at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris. The shortlist is compiled by France Football journalists who work alongside L'Equipe, another famous sports publication.
The winner is decided using a voting system which involves one journalist from each of the top 100-ranked nations. This means expert followers of the game are making their picks based on watching from the stands as opposed to fellow professionals selecting the winner.
Each writer will select their top ten from the 30 nominations and these players will be awarded 15 points, 12, 10, seven, five, four, three, two and one based on the position in which they rank.
When working out which stars to award, journalists must consider 'individual performances, decisive and impressive character', 'team performances and achievements' as well as 'class and fair play'
Overall, Ousmane Dembele winning the Ballon d'Or will mark a significant shift after the previous two decades where dominated by Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The world of football is now entering a new era with a new generation dominating the headlines.
- Ousmane Dembele