Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konaté (26) is adamant PSG striker [Ousmane Dembélé (28) would be a worthy Ballon d’Or winner](https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2025/ousmane-dembele-becomes-the-new-favourite-to-win-the-ballon-dor/) after an all-conquering campaign with Luis Enrique’s _Les Parisiens._ Dembélé won the Champions League for the first time in his career after a restless, eye-catching performance against Inter Milan in the final. The former Rennes Academy product notably logged two assists against the _Nerazzurri._
Konaté took centre-stage in Stuttgart this Wednesday afternoon as he filled in for Kylian Mbappé in France’s press conference on the eve of _Les Bleus_‘ Nations League semi-final against Spain. The game has been touted as a decisive moment for the attribution of the Ballon d’Or, with Spain’s Lamine Yamal opposite France’s Dembélé. The Liverpool centre-back has rebuffed this stance. When asked who would be the most deserving Ballon d’Or recipient, Konaté was adamant it should go to his France teammate.
“_We talk about Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé… But no one talks about Ousmane Dembélé_“, Konaté said in his [press conference](https://x.com/CanalplusFoot/status/1930285180746408091). “_He has delivered an exceptional season. I have honestly no other words to describe it. Nobody expected it. I’m the happiest man for him. In all honesty, the most deserving Ballon d’Or winner is Ousmane Dembélé_.”
GFFN | Bastien Cheval