- Dembele praised as “most complete” by Gael Clichy
- PSG lost 3-0 to Chelsea in Club World Cup final
- Dembele still posted 35 goals, 16 assists in 52 games
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Former France international Clichy has backed Dembele to win the 2025 Ballon d'Or. Speaking on RMC Sport ahead of the Club World Cup final, Clichy said Dembele is “hands down” the most deserving candidate for the award due to his performances across the 2024–25 season.
Despite Clichy’s endorsement, Dembele and PSG were unable to finish their campaign with another trophy, falling 3-0 to Chelsea in the Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium. Cole Palmer scored a first-half brace, and Joao Pedro added a third as Chelsea dominated the match. PSG ended the game with 10 men following Joao Neves’ red card in the 85th minute.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Despite his team's underwhelming end to the summer tournament, the French winger has still enjoyed a stellar individual season, recording 35 goals and 16 assists in 52 matches across all competitions. PSG lifted the Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France and Trophee des Champions titles this season, with Dembele playing a central role under Luis Enrique.
WHAT GAEL CLICHY SAID
Clichy said: "The Ballon d'Or rewards players who are decisive: you have to take into account individual statistics, which have been highlighted by Cristiano and Lionel Messi. This year, Ousmane Dembele has some pretty crazy numbers. And when he came on during the match, he was sharp, with or without possession, when he pressed.
"Failing to reach 90 goals in a year, for me today Dembele is the winner hands down. With Thierry Henry, we say that Ousmane is the most complete, he can score and make others score, cause chaos around him, he contributes defensively with his pressing... Today we have to give credit to Ousmane on these pressing phases, especially for players of this quality, he makes the work of an entire team easier, it's rare to see a player like that get in tune."
WHAT NEXT FOR DEMBELE?
PSG will regroup ahead of the 2025–26 campaign with the UEFA Super Cup against Tottenham coming up on August 13. Ballon d'Or voting will take place later this year, with Dembele facing competition from Barcelona duo Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.