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England great Gary Lineker has asserted that Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star Ousmane Dembele and two other PSG players are in the running for the 2025 Ballon d'Or award.
Last Saturday (May 31), PSG won their first ever UEFA Champions League trophy after beating Inter Milan 5-0 in the final. Desire Doue netted twice while Hakimi, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Senny Mayulu each scored one goal in the clash in Munich, Germany.
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During a recent chat on The Rest is Football podcast, Lineker stated that a PSG player is likely to win the Ballon d'Or award this year. He remarked (h/t Metro):
"We have to come to the inevitable question of the Ballon d'Or. It's obviously hugely influenced generally by the team that wins the Champions League. But in some ways, because of the nature of PSG's teamwork, it doesn't come down to one individual. You could probably give it to quite a few of their players."
Naming two PSG players apart from Dembele as a favourite, he added:
"I suppose Dembele will be the favourite. He had a couple of really good moments in the final despite not getting a goal. He was very involved in quite a few of the goals, one assist and maybe a pre-assist as well. I think he will probably be favourite now. [Gianluigi] Donnaruma might have a slight chance but goalkeepers rarely get it. Maybe [Achraf] Hakimi as well."
England and Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer also pitched in:
"I would guess Dembele, he would probably be the favourite for it now."
Dembele, 28, relished his best-ever campaign at club level last term. He scored 33 goals and registered 15 assists in 49 club matches as his club won the treble in the 2024-25 campaign.
Mohamed Salah opens up on Ballon d'Or hopes
Last month, Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah asserted that he could win his maiden Ballon d'Or award due to his excellent performances last season. He told Sky Sports (h/t ESPN):
"I would say I never had a season like this and winning big trophies so I would say this is my best chance to get it right now while I'm in the club because it's been a crazy year, a crazy season with a trophy. It's given me a good chance."
The 32-year-old guided Liverpool to the Premier League title and the EFL Cup final, contributing 34 goals and 23 assists in 54 overall club games.
The 2025 Ballon d'Or event will be held in Paris, France on September 22.
