PSG Superstars Face Ballon d'Or Dilemma as Prestigious Ceremony Looms

Severe weather conditions have compelled Paris Saint-Germain's highly anticipated match against Olympique Marseille to be rescheduled, creating complications for potential attendees like Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué and others as the fixture now conflicts with Monday's Ballon d'Or awards ceremony.

Initially set for 2:45 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 21, the severe weather prompted the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) to reschedule the encounter to Monday, Sept. 22 at 8 p.m. ET. Although both Dembélé and Doué were not included in Sunday's original squad selection, PSG must now choose between ceremony attendance and traveling to the Bouches-du-Rhône area.

Dembélé stands among the leading contenders for the 2025 men's honor following an exceptional campaign under Luis Enrique's guidance. PSG secured their maiden Champions League trophy last season by defeating Inter Milan in the championship match. The club also claimed their 13th Ligue 1 championship, along with the Coupe de France and UEFA Super Cup victories.

Doué is similarly positioned as a frontrunner for the Kopa Trophy, which recognizes outstanding players under 21 years of age. Enrique has received a nomination for coach of the year, an accolade he has excellent prospects of claiming, while additional PSG talents feature in various categories including Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, João Neves, Nuno Mendes and Vitinha.

Should Dembélé choose not to attend the ceremony, it would represent the second consecutive year where a leading men's Ballon d'Or candidate is notably absent. Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior, accompanied by other club representatives, boycotted the previous year's ceremony after reports emerged beforehand that Manchester City's Rodri would claim the prize.