With the 2026 Ballon d'Or fast approaching, the official 30-man nominee shortlist was unveiled last week. With only a month and a half remaining until the awards ceremony, major frontrunners have been giving interviews in recent days to build momentum for their candidacies.
According to a report by L'Équipe, as last year's Ballon d'Or winner, Dembélé appears relaxed and under no pressure regarding the matter. Following Paris Saint-Germain's 1-0 victory over Brest at the weekend, Dembélé addressed the topic during a post-match interview.
Dembélé: "I have always been the one keeping my head down and working hard in the back row of the classroom. Throughout my entire career, I haven't spoken unnecessary words; I just train hard. As I said, I was never the chosen one, but I've always worked hard.
Last year, I enjoyed a wonderful season with Paris, and that was my reward. As for this year, let's wait and see. I feel no pressure—easy and relaxed."
Dembélé's mention of "the chosen one" inevitably brings to mind recent comments from another top contender for the Ballon d'Or, Kylian Mbappé. In an exclusive interview published by France Football last Saturday, Mbappé remarked: "People always see him (Dembélé) as a richly talented player, whereas I am viewed as 'the chosen one.'"
