Ousmane Dembele says winning the Ballon d’Or will not give him extra leverage over Paris Saint-Germain as he considers his future with the French club.
The France international, who won the 2025 Ballon d’Or, remains under contract with Paris Saint-Germain until 2028. However, discussions over a new agreement are continuing, with the two sides reportedly close to a deal that could keep him in the French capital until 2030.
Despite his elevated status following his individual triumph, Dembele insists the decision over his contract remains with the club’s leadership and coaching staff.
Asked by France Football whether Paris Saint-Germain should be expected to renew the contract of a Ballon d’Or winner, Dembele gave a direct response.
“You can do what you want. In the end, the decision rests with the coach, the sporting director, and the club president as well.”
The 2018 World Cup winner went further, making clear that even winning football’s most prestigious individual award would not guarantee him a new contract.
“You can be the Ballon d’Or winner, but if they don’t want to renew your contract or they want to tell you to leave the club, then you will leave, my friend.”
Dembele refuses to put pressure on PSG
Dembele’s comments come as Paris Saint-Germain work to retain one of the most important players in their squad.
Since arriving at the club, the forward has developed into a key figure and played a significant role in the team’s success at European level.
His Ballon d’Or victory has further enhanced his standing, but the 2018 World Cup winner does not appear interested in using the award as a negotiating tool.
Instead, Dembele has taken a measured approach to his future, leaving the final decision over a possible extension to the people responsible for the club’s sporting direction.
The situation comes against the backdrop of comments from PSG manager Luis Enrique about the difficulty of keeping every player at the club.
The Spanish coach previously said: “It is impossible to keep all the players. It is normal for players and coaches to leave and for others to come,”
Enrique also expressed his confidence in the club’s management to make the decisions that are best for the team.
For Dembele, that means his Ballon d’Or success does not automatically change the situation surrounding his contract.
Dembele turns attention to another Ballon d’Or challenge
While his long-term future at Paris Saint-Germain remains under discussion, Dembele is already looking ahead to another individual challenge.
The Frenchman is among the contenders expected to compete for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, although the competition is likely to be stronger than it was for the previous award.
Several high-profile players are listed among his potential rivals.
His PSG team-mates Khvica Kvaratskhelia and Fabian Ruiz are among the contenders, while Spain’s Lamine Yamal and Rodri are also in the picture.
England captain Harry Kane, France forward Kylian Mbappe and Argentina star Lionel Messi are also named as potential competitors.
Dembele, however, says individual recognition must follow collective success rather than come before it.
The French forward believes his chances of winning another Ballon d’Or will depend heavily on what he achieves with his team.
“Before thinking about this individual award, you have to win with the team. Because if you don’t have a good season on an individual and collective level, you won’t win this award.”
That approach reflects the position Dembele has taken on both his individual ambitions and his future at Paris Saint-Germain.
The 2025 Ballon d’Or winner remains a central figure at the club, but he is not presenting the award as a reason why PSG must offer him a new contract.
Instead, the decision remains with the coach, sporting director and president, while Dembele focuses on maintaining his performances and competing for more success.
With negotiations over a potential extension to 2030 continuing, the coming period will determine whether the club’s hierarchy can secure the long-term future of one of its most prominent players.
For now, Dembele’s message is clear: the Ballon d’Or may have changed his status in world football, but it does not give him control over PSG’s decision-making.
