PSG star Ousmane Dembele sets sights on winning Ballon d'Or

Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembele has revealed one of the most important missions of his career, setting his eyes on winning the Ballon d’Or.

The Ballon d’Or is the most prestigious individual award in men’s top-flight football, and the French forward has coveted it after an incredible season with Paris Saint-Germain in 2024-25.

Dembele reveals the key career objective he’s yet to achieve as he explains the three “elite routine” he runs through before every match, while shedding his thoughts on the Ballon d’Or.

Dembele called it the “holy grail” for a footballer to receive the Ballon d’Or, which is considered the ultimate recognition for being the best player in the world.

As such, he labelled the prestigious individual award “exceptional” and explained how it made him “dream” as a child.

Dembele led PSG to the French Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Champions League treble, automatically placing him as favourite for the Ballon d’Or, which is ue to be presented in Paris, in September.

The 29-year-old recorded a total of 48 goals and assists in 49 appearances throughout the season, showcasing his significant impact on PSG, who secured their first-ever Champions League trophy in record-breaking fashion in May.

“Winning a Ballon d’Or when you’re a football player is obviously the holy grail, individually.

“It’s something you dream about when you’re little. I remember back when it was on Telefoot, watching the players line up to receive the Ballon d’Or; it was incredible. The award is exceptional,” Dembele told France Football.

“I hope to be among the 30 nominees already. I’ve had some difficult years with injuries and poor performances too.

“This season, I think I’ve performed well, so we’ll see what happens. It would be exceptional to have my name on the list. And being one of the favourites is already a great victory, even if I hope to win it one day.”

The former Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona winger Dembele also revealed to France Football a simple pre-match routine he has been consistent with all season – a psychological boost that saw him score more goals than in the previous five combined.

“Since the start of the season, I’ve started every match telling myself I’m going to score three goals. And if it’s one or two, that’s good too,” he said.

Dembele was one of the most injury-prone players back in the day, but the winger seems to have turned his fortunes around since his move to the Parisians in the French capital.

With PSG competing in the FIFA Club World Cup, there is a high potential of adding a fourth trophy to make it a quadruple for 2024-25.

That would only further underline his Ballon d’Or prospects, with top-of-the-list rivals for the award – Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, and Mohamed Salah – not involved in the new-look competition.