Ibrahima Konate has revealed who he feels deserves to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or, and it’s not his Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah.
The Egyptian is among the frontrunners to claim the personal award, and was the favorite up until Liverpool’s Champions League exit in March. That, coupled with a downturn in form over the last months of the season, has seen Salah drop down the pecking order.
He’s now third favorite, behind Ousmane Dembele and Lamine Yamal, while Barcelona’s Raphinha is also among the contenders. But France vs. Spain - and Demebele vs. Yamal - could have a bearing on who ultimately comes out on top.
The sides meet in the Nations League semi-final, with the winner to play Germany or Portugal in Sunday’s final. But Konate, who struggled for France in the latest set of international fixtures, has said the game will not decide who wins the Ballon d’Or.
“It's illogical to want to put everything on Thursday's match,” the defender opined in a press conference. “Ousmane, what he's done this season is exceptional. I say he deserves the Ballon d'Or, period.
"We must highlight Yamal's talent; I don't even know if [Lionel] Messi did that at his age, but we mustn't say it's going to be decided on Thursday.
"Dembele has had an exceptional season; I have no words,” he added. “No-one expected him to be this way. Ousmane Dembele deserves the Ballon d'Or.”
Ousmane Dembele of Paris Saint Germain during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg match between Arsenal FC and Paris Saint-Germain at Emirates Stadium on April 29, 2025 in London, England.
Ousmane Dembele of Paris Saint Germain during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg match between Arsenal FC and Paris Saint-Germain at Emirates Stadium on April 29, 2025 in London, England. (Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Dembele’s chances were certainly strengthened by Saturday’s Champions League victory. Paris Saint-Germain’s 5-0 win over Inter Milan in the final ensured it completed a treble of league, cup and European triumph.
Salah, Yamal and Raphinha, in contrast, have only won the league this season. Neither Liverpool nor Barcelona is involved in the Club World Cup, another trophy up for grabs for Dembele and his PSG teammates, while more silverware with France would certainly improve his chances.
The 28-year-old scored 33 goals and produced 15 assists from 49 appearances this season. His 48 goal involvements is undeniably impressive, but it falls short of Salah’s 55 from 53 games for Liverpool.
Unfortunately, a run of just three goal involvements in his last nine matches of the season could come back to bite Liverpool’s no.11. He also suffered from a general decline in performances over the last months, with nothing of significance on the line for the Reds.
Mohamed Salah
Salah's performance levels dropped in the final months of the season. (Image: Getty Images)
As the Ballon d’Or becomes an increasingly prominent subject, Gary Lineker this week echoed Konate’s views and claimed Dembele could win the prize.
“It’s obviously hugely influenced generally by the team that wins the Champions League,” said the former England striker.
“But in some ways because of the nature of PSG’s teamwork it doesn’t come down to one individual.You could probably give it to quite a few of their players.
“I suppose Dembele will be the favourite. He had a couple of really good moments in the final despite not getting a goal. He was very involved in quite a few of the goals, one assist and maybe a pre-assist as well. I think he will probably be the favorite now.