 |
Dembele asks for Messi's jersey and boots after PSG's match against Inter Miami at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Photo: X / dembouz |
On 14/8, the X account of France Football, the organizer of the Ballon d'Or, posted a video interview with Dembele. The French forward was asked to choose the greatest player to ever win the Ballon d'Or. France Football presented pairs of players for him to choose from.
Dembele chose Kaka over Luka Modric, Ronaldinho over Kaka, Karim Benzema over Ronaldinho, Ronaldo Nazario over Benzema, Johan Cruyff over Michel Platini, Zinedine Zidane over Ronaldo, and finally, Lionel Messi over Cristiano Ronaldo.
Many social media users praised Dembele's choices in the comments section of France Football's post. Some commended the 28-year-old's deep understanding of football, despite not having played in the same era as many of the former stars mentioned, including Cruyff, Platini, Zidane, Ronaldo Nazario, Ronaldinho, and Kaka.
France Football has organized the Ballon d'Or since 1956. Before 1995, the award was only open to players with European nationality, excluding South American superstars like Pele and Diego Maradona.
Messi currently holds the record with 8 Ballon d'Or awards, three more than second-placed Cristiano Ronaldo. Van Basten, Platini, and Cruyff are tied for third with three awards each. Ronaldo Nazario has two, while Zidane, Ronaldinho, Kaka, Modric, and Benzema each have one.
 |
Dembele lifts the European Super Cup after PSG's 4-3 penalty shootout win over Tottenham on 13/8. Photo: UEFA |
Dembele is a strong contender for the 2025 Ballon d'Or. Last season, the 28-year-old scored 35 goals and provided 14 assists, helping PSG win the Champions League, Ligue 1, French Cup, French Super Cup, and European Super Cup. Experts consider him the frontrunner among the 30 nominees. France Football will announce the winner on 22/9 at a ceremony in Paris, France.
Thanh Quy (X, France Football)
