"If Dembele doesn't win the award, the voters are exposing their incompetence," Campos said on RMC Sport on 15/1. "If his name was Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi, there would be no debate."

Ousmane Dembele celebrates a goal against Brest in the first leg of the Champions League knockout play-off at Roudourou Stadium, Guingamp, France, on the evening of 11/2/2025. Photo: Reuters

The Portuguese director implied that Dembele's 2024-2025 season performance surpassed other contenders. He was the best player in the Champions League and Ligue 1, and won every major title with PSG. "Last season, the player with the best statistics and who shone in every competition was Dembele. Achraf Hakimi and Vitinha also had great seasons, but the truth is Dembele was number one," Campos added.

Dembele scored 35 goals and provided 16 assists in 53 matches last season. He averaged a goal or assist per game. As a false nine, the 28-year-old also actively supported the defense from a distance thanks to his ability to pressure the opposing goalkeeper and defenders.

PSG led the Ballon d'Or nominations with 9 representatives. Campos also believes players like Bradley Barcola and Willian Pacho deserve to be included. There has never been a team with 10 players on the Ballon d'Or shortlist.

Campos also confirmed Dembele agreed to extend his contract with PSG under a performance-based bonus system. The French club's new salary structure will be reduced. Therefore, players demanding high base salaries will have to leave, like goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

"When Donnarumma asked for a salary based on the PSG of the past, not the PSG of today, we had to find a solution," Campos said. "Our policy is now based on merit. The star now is the club, not the individual."

In addition, Campos also revealed the most important decision of his PSG career was appointing Luis Enrique as coach. "I remember meeting in Barcelona; within minutes, I knew he was the right person. Enrique was also the first to tell Neymar directly, 'you'd better leave,' because his philosophy puts the team above the individual," Campos shared.

The 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony will take place at the Chatelet Theater in Paris, France, on the evening of 22/9. Dembele is still leading the race according to bookmakers, followed by Lamine Yamal, Vitinha, Mohamed Salah, and Raphinha.

Hoang An (according to Diario AS)