Dembele Declares Ballon d'Or Gap: "Yamal Plays in Another Dimension"

Ousmane Dembele expressed admiration for his ex-Barcelona colleague Lamine Yamal while hesitantly discussing his own aspirations for claiming this year's Ballon d'Or award.

The PSG sensation has experienced a remarkable season. Serving as the dynamic centerpiece of Luis Enrique's European championship squad, Dembélé accumulated an impressive total of 33 goals across all tournaments, easily his most productive season ever and exceeding what he had achieved in the previous five seasons combined.

This personal achievement alongside PSG's overwhelming success in France and throughout Europe has led many to consider Dembélé the leading candidate for this year's Ballon d'Or, the prestigious annual recognition given to the world's finest football player.

Coach Enrique predictably endorsed his key player to win the honor which Barcelona's adolescent prodigy, Lamine Yamal, also has his sights on. Both Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappé have indicated that Dembélé, having won the Champions League, would be a more deserving recipient.

In a comprehensive conversation with France Football, the publication that organizes the journalist poll determining each Ballon d'Or winner, Dembélé had to be gently prompted to reveal his ambitions.

"I'm hoping to be among the 30 nominees to begin with," said the French player, who had never previously been shortlisted for the award, with a smile. "I've experienced some challenging years with injuries, some disappointing performances too... This season, I believe I've played well, so we'll wait and see what happens. It would be extraordinary to have my name on the list. And being considered one of the favorites is already a significant achievement, though I do hope to win it someday."

Dembélé has witnessed Yamal's exceptional abilities firsthand. The two played together at Barcelona just as the young Spaniard was emerging into the senior team. "At Barcelona, everyone was already talking about Lamine Yamal from a very young age," Dembélé remembered. "When he joined the professional squad, we realized he was extraordinary, and he reached another level. During training, he would dribble, take shots, and score goals too."

Yamal concluded the season with 18 goals, 21 assists and a domestic treble, mesmerizing opponents with an enchanting repertoire of body feints and quick movements that seemed impossible for someone so young.

The 17-year-old appears remarkably composed regarding this year's Ballon d'Or while his French counterpart wasn't quite as relaxed. "These things are difficult to express," Dembélé fidgeted when pressed further about football's most coveted individual accolade.

"But for a footballer, winning a Ballon d'Or is clearly the ultimate individual achievement. It's something you fantasize about as a child. I recall when it was broadcast on Téléfoot, watching players line up to receive the Ballon d'Or; it was incredible. Even the trophy itself, the golden ball, is exceptional."