Will Ousmane Dembele Skip the Ballon d'Or Ceremony?

Ousmane Dembele, the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) forward, is currently the frontrunner for the 2025 Ballon d'Or, awarded annually to the world's best footballer. However, due to a rescheduled match against Marseille, he may not attend the prestigious awards ceremony tonight in Paris. Dembele's remarkable performance last season, where he scored 35 goals and provided 16 assists, has positioned him as a strong contender for the accolade, potentially marking a first-time winner.

Last updated: 24 October 2023 (BST)

• Ousmane Dembele is a leading candidate for the 2025 Ballon d'Or.
• PSG's match against Marseille was postponed due to severe weather and rescheduled for the same night as the awards ceremony.
• Dembele's injury could allow him to attend the ceremony despite the match.
• Real Madrid has chosen not to send any representatives to the event.
• Last year's winner Rodri faced a similar boycott from Real Madrid players.

Dembele's Stellar Performance

Last season was a standout for Ousmane Dembele, who played a crucial role in PSG's treble-winning campaign. His contributions helped the club secure its first-ever UEFA Champions League title, a significant milestone in its history. With a total of 35 goals and 16 assists, Dembele's offensive prowess made him an undeniable force on the pitch, propelling him to the top of the Ballon d'Or shortlist.

Competition for the Ballon d'Or

While Dembele is the favourite, he faces stiff competition from other exceptional talents, including Barcelona's Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, as well as Liverpool's renowned forward Mohamed Salah. Each contender has had an impressive season, but Dembele's achievements with PSG give him a notable edge in the eyes of voters.

The Rescheduled Match Against Marseille

The timing of the Ballon d'Or ceremony poses a challenge for Dembele and his PSG teammates. The French Football League (LFP) postponed the highly anticipated clash against rivals Marseille due to forecasts predicting thunderstorms and flooding in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. This fixture has now been rescheduled for Monday night, shortly before the awards are set to begin, creating a potential conflict for players scheduled to attend the ceremony.

Injuries and Attendance at the Ceremony

Despite the rescheduled match, Dembele is expected to attend the Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris, as he is sidelined with a hamstring injury. This injury would have prevented him from participating in the Marseille match even if it had proceeded as planned. Other PSG nominees, such as Desire Doue and Joao Neves, are similarly dealing with injuries but should receive permission from the club to miss the match, allowing them to join Dembele at the awards ceremony.

PSG's Presence at the Awards

In total, PSG has nine players nominated for the Ballon d'Or, including goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who has since transferred to Manchester City. While most of the nominated players may miss the ceremony due to the overlapping match, several others, like Achraf Hakimi, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Nuno Mendes, Fabian Ruiz, and Vitinha, are expected to participate in the match against Marseille.

A Look Back at Last Year's Ceremony

Last year’s Ballon d'Or ceremony was marked by controversy, as Manchester City's Rodri took home the prestigious award. The event was overshadowed by the absence of Real Madrid's entire team, who boycotted the ceremony after discovering that Rodri had outperformed their seven nominated players, including Vinicius Junior. This decision drew widespread criticism and highlighted the ongoing tensions surrounding the awards.

Real Madrid's Ongoing Feud with the Ballon d'Or

This year, Real Madrid finds itself in a similar position, with three players nominated: Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappe. However, none of these players are expected to win, as Real Madrid failed to secure any major trophies last season. Notably, the club has opted not to send a delegation to the ceremony, signalling that their feud with the Ballon d'Or continues.

Why the Ballon d'Or Matters

The Ballon d'Or is more than just an award; it is a celebration of individual excellence in football. Winning this accolade can significantly enhance a player's legacy and marketability, impacting their career for years to come. For Dembele, a potential win could solidify his status as one of the elite players in the world, especially following a season where his efforts were pivotal to PSG's success.

What Happens Next?

As the awards ceremony approaches, many eyes will be on Dembele and his competitors. The outcome of the Ballon d'Or will not only determine who is crowned the best player in the world but also shape narratives around the nominees and their respective clubs heading into the new season. Football fans will eagerly await the announcement, and it remains to be seen how the events of the evening will unfold, particularly regarding the attendance of PSG players and how the situation with Real Madrid evolves.

FAQs

Who is the favourite to win the 2025 Ballon d'Or?

Ousmane Dembele is currently the frontrunner for the 2025 Ballon d'Or, thanks to his impressive performance during the last season with PSG.

Why was the PSG vs Marseille match postponed?

The match was postponed due to severe weather forecasts predicting thunderstorms and flooding in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region.

Will Ousmane Dembele attend the Ballon d'Or ceremony?

Yes, Dembele is expected to attend the ceremony, as he is sidelined with a hamstring injury and would have missed the match against Marseille anyway.

What impact does the Ballon d'Or have on a player's career?

Winning the Ballon d'Or can significantly enhance a player's legacy, marketability, and influence in the football world, shaping their career for years to come.

How many PSG players are nominated for the Ballon d'Or?

Nine players from PSG have been nominated for the Ballon d'Or this year, highlighting the club's strong performance in the previous season.

As the football world gears up for the Ballon d'Or ceremony, anticipation builds for who will take home the coveted prize this year. Will Ousmane Dembele claim the title, or will another player surprise everyone? The stakes are high, and the excitement is palpable. #BallondOr2025 #OusmaneDembele #PSG