Paris Saint-Germain’s president believes “there is a problem with the Ballon d’Or” if Ousmane Dembele does not win the award.
The 28-year-old was an integral part of PSG’s treble-winning side last season, scoring 33 goals and registering 15 assists in all competitions.
But the forward is expected to face competition for the award from the likes of Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.
However, PSG’s president, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, said there is “no doubt” the Frenchman will be crowned the winner at the ceremony in Paris in September.
“Ousmane’s season is magnificent. There is no doubt that he won’t win the Ballon d’Or. If he doesn’t win it, there is a problem with the Ballon d’Or. He has done everything,” he told DAZN.
Dembele was instrumental in PSG winning their first UEFA Champions League title.
The forward made two assists in the 5-0 thrashing of Internazionale in the final in May and contributed vital goals against Liverpool and Arsenal en route to the showpiece match in Munich.
With PSG now targeting more silverware as they prepare for their FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final against Bayern Munich, Dembele is aware his performances in the United States could yet support his case for the award.
The Frenchman told DAZN: “I’m thinking about [the Ballon d’Or]. I know that, with the season that I have had, I am not far [from the Ballon d’Or], but I am focused on the objectives, before thinking about myself.”
Another trophy for the Parisians may also boost the chances of Dembele’s team-mate Vitinha, who is also among the favourites for the award.
But it is Barcelona’s 17-year-old superstar Yamal who is expected to pose the greatest threat to Dembele.
The winger scored 18 goals and registered 25 assists in all competitions for the Catalan side as they won the domestic treble and reached the last four of the Champions League.
Barcelona legend Hristo Stoichkov backed Yamal for the award but claimed the youngster still has room for improvement.
“If he wins it, I’ll give it to him personally,” Stoichkov said on Carrusel Deportivo. “Lamine Yamal is a very young boy who has a long way to go. I really enjoy watching him because he has so many interesting qualities.”
