PSG forward Ousmane Dembele says Vitinha, Kane and Kylian Mbappe would be his three choices for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, while predicting that the prize will remain with a PSG player.
Dembele, who won the award in 2025, made the comments in an interview with France Football as this year’s ceremony approaches on the 26th.
Asked whether he would vote for himself, Dembele said: “No, I wouldn’t include myself. No, I would never put myself on such a list; I never vote for myself.”
He named Vitinha, Kane – who he said had “a very good season, even an excellent season” – and Mbappe, stressing that there was no particular order to his selection.
Dembele also said Michael Olise, the Bundesliga’s best player last season, and Lamine Yamal deserved consideration. He added PSG players Fabian Ruiz and Pacho to his list, saying of Pacho: “I hope no one forgets him this year because he deserves it; he truly deserves it.”
Despite refusing to campaign for his own candidacy, Dembele said he believed the award would stay at PSG.
“I think there are many strong contenders, particularly among the PSG players. I believe the trophy will remain in the hands of a PSG player,” he said.
Dembele said the race was described by people around him, including family and friends, as wide open, but he did not believe there was much suspense.
“I don’t think there is any suspense surrounding this award,” he said.
The France international attributed his improved output in decisive moments this season to playing a more important role in the Ballon d’Or discussion. He also said minor physical injuries at the start of the campaign had limited his Ligue 1 appearances, although the coach’s rotation helped preserve him for important matches.
His standout memory from last season was PSG’s two-legged Champions League tie against Bayern, particularly the first leg.
“I didn’t start well in that game: I scuffed my first scoring opportunity, but then I quickly adjusted and regained my form. I think that was indeed one of my best performances,” he said.
Dembele described the second leg away against Chelsea as his poorest display, calling it “okay, but not very impactful”.
He insisted he felt no anxiety about potentially losing the award and said defending it had not created additional pressure. Winning it for the first time, he believes, is harder than retaining it.
“It can be a goal or a dream, but never an obsession,” Dembele said, while acknowledging that his competitive nature meant winning remained a target.
He added that PSG players rarely discuss the Ballon d’Or, particularly when preparing for World Cup or Champions League matches.
“All our energy is focused on winning those matches and trophies, not on discussing the Ballon d’Or,” he said.
Dembele also rejected the idea of lobbying the France Football jury, saying: “I never promote myself.”
