Paris Saint-Germain President Endorses Dembélé for 2025 Ballon d’Or
Nasser Al-Khelaifi, President of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), expressed strong support for Osman Dembélé’s candidacy for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, highlighting the player’s exceptional performance this season.
These remarks come amidst growing campaigns advocating for Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi to receive the award.
Speaking during PSG’s preparations in Atlanta ahead of their match against Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Al-Khelaifi stated, “Given Dembélé’s outstanding season, there is no doubt he deserves the Ballon d’Or.” He referenced Dembélé’s impressive statistics, which include 33 goals and 15 assists.
Al-Khelaifi noted that while winning the award would be a significant achievement for the club, the priority remains team play.
He also discussed the revamped Club World Cup format and the busy match schedule, stating, “While there may be some imperfections in organizing such a competition, overall it is fantastic. It creates new market opportunities for football and enhances the club’s brand. I do not understand the criticism of this tournament. In the past, clubs and players did not participate in the World Cup, so we should focus on the positives.”
PSG aims to secure their first title in this new competition, despite facing formidable opponents, including Spanish giants Real Madrid.
