Luis Enrique and Marquinhos Back Ousmane Dembele to Win Ballon d’Or After PSG’s Champions League Heroics

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) manager Luis Enrique and captain Marquinhos have backed star forward Ousmane Dembele to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or. 

Their comments came after PSG beat Inter Milan 5-0 at the Allianz Arena to win their maiden UEFA Champions League title on May 31.

Ousmane Dembele for the Ballon d’Or: Luis Enrique and Marquinhos Hail Frenchman After PSG’s Champions League Win

Ousmane Dembele, who has been one of the most exciting players to watch in Europe this season, did not score against Inter. However, his coach, Luis Enrique, had little complaint as the Frenchman went above and beyond to help his team defensively. He chased every ball, pressed every Inter attacker in his zone, and ensured the Italians could not waltz into the midfield.

In the post-match press conference, Enrique heaped praise on Dembele and said he would give him the Ballon d’Or.

Ousmane Dembélé et sa petite famille 🥰 pic.twitter.com/tDEOZsVZUD

— Vibes Foot (@VibesFoot) May 31, 2025

“Ousmane Dembele pressed Sommer, Acerbi, and the other central defenders with great intensity, which meant that they didn’t have time to think, and it cut the team off.

“I would give Mr. Ousmane Dembele the Ballon d’Or, if only for how he defended. That’s what you call leading a team. I honestly believe that he deserves the Ballon d’Or, not just because of the titles he has won or the goals he scored, but because of the way he has pressed all season.”

The captain of the team, Marquinhos, also gave Dembele the Ballon d’Or shout. As the team paraded down Champs-Elysees, the Brazilian chanted “Ousmane, Ballon d’Or” in front of thousands of PSG fans.

"𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗘 : 𝗕𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗢𝗡 𝗗'𝗢𝗥 !"

MARQUINHOS LANCE LE MOUVEMENT POUR DEMBOUZ !!! 😍⭐️

( 🎥 @lachainelequipe )pic.twitter.com/wBEWVxLESv

— Instant Foot ⚽️ (@lnstantFoot) June 1, 2025

Ousmane Dembele Named Champions League Player of the Season After PSG Triumph

Ousmane Dembele enjoyed a stellar Champions League campaign for PSG. Playing 15 matches, the former Barcelona man scored eight goals and provided six assists. He also led the team by example, pressing relentlessly from the front. Impressively, he did not let his intensity drop even after PSG went comfortably clear of Inter in the UCL final.

Courtesy of his heroics, the UEFA Technical Observer Group named Dembele as the Champions League Player of the Season on June 1.

🏆 UEFA Champions League Player of the Season: Ousmane Dembélé! 👏#UCL | @PSG_inside pic.twitter.com/1BQFl4Ficf

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) June 1, 2025

Across competitions, the 28-year-old played 49 games for Les Parisiens. He found the back of the net 33 times and claimed 15 assists. Dembele was the top goal contributor, as PSG became the first team since Celtic to win the ‘true quadruple.’

After winning the Champions League, PSG will face the Europa League winners, Tottenham, in the Super Cup in August.

Which PSG Players Have Won the Ballon d’Or?

Throughout history, only two players have won the Ballon d’Or at PSG. George Weah won it in 1995 before Lionel Messi claimed it in 2021 and 2023.

Who Won the Ballon d’Or in 2024?

Manchester City star Rodri won the Ballon d’Or in 2024, beating favourite Vinicius Junior to the punch. He won the individual accolade after helping Man City to the Premier League title and Spain to the 2024 European Championship.

Here are the last 10 Ballon d’Or winners: