Dembélé: The Ballon d'Or will stay in Paris, and Pacho deserves to be among the nominees

French star Ousmane Dembélé, of Paris Saint-Germain and the winner of the Ballon d'Or for 2025, has confirmed that the most prestigious individual award in football will stay within the ranks of the Parisian club in the 2026 edition, pointing out that there are many players capable of competing for the title.

In an interview with 'France Football', Ousmane Dembélé discussed the Ballon d'Or race, which appears wide open this year with prominent names like Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, and Kylian Mbappé.

Ousmane Dembélé said: "I don't think the Ballon d'Or race is as close as they say. I believe the award will remain in the hands of a player from Paris Saint-Germain."

When asked to choose a preferred list of three players, Dembélé selected his Georgian teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, English striker Harry Kane, along with his compatriot and friend Kylian Mbappé, confirming that his choices are not ranked by preference.

Dembélé spoke about his choices: "Kvara, and Harry Kane who had a very, very good season, and I think Kylian Mbappé."

Despite being the holder of the award, Ousmane Dembélé refused to include himself among the nominees, stating that he does not see it as appropriate to vote for himself or place his name among the top candidates.

He added: "Me? No, I never put myself in such matters. I don't vote for myself. If it's me speaking, I wouldn't vote for myself."

Paris Saint-Germain star has pointed out other names he believes deserve to be in contention, chief among them Frenchman Michael Olise, whom he described as having had an exceptional season and being the best player in the Bundesliga, alongside Spanish player Lamine Yamal.

Ousmane Dembélé did not stop at these names, but also mentioned his Paris Saint-Germain teammate Fabián Ruiz and Ecuadorian defender Pacho, who he particularly emphasized should not be overlooked in the race for the award.

Ousmane Dembélé spoke about Pacho: "There are also many players. Michael Olise could be among the candidates because he had a great season and was the best player in the Bundesliga. Lamine Yamal as well, and Fabián Ruiz, and Pacho... we forget about this player, Pacho. I hope we don't forget him this year, because he deserves it."

Ousmane Dembélé's comments come at a time when the race for the Ballon d'Or 2026 is heating up, with strong competition among several of the world's top stars. Dembélé believes that a player from Paris Saint-Germain will keep the award within the club for the second consecutive season.