Dembélé Names Kane, Kvara and Mbappé for Ballon d'Or

Dembélé Names His Ballon d'Or Favourites

Ousmane Dembélé has refused to back himself for a second consecutive Ballon d'Or, instead naming Harry Kane, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Kylian Mbappé among his leading contenders.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward won the prestigious award in 2025 after playing a key role in PSG's Champions League triumph. He is among the 30 nominees for the 2026 prize after another successful campaign with the French club.

However, Dembélé does not intend to campaign for another individual award.

“No, I never get involved in things like that. I never vote for myself,” Dembélé told France Football.

When asked for his top three candidates, the Frenchman selected PSG teammate Kvaratskhelia, Bayern Munich striker Kane and Real Madrid forward Mbappé, without putting them in any particular order.

“My top three? All mixed up: Kvara, Harry Kane, who had a very, very good season, and I think Kylian Mbappé,” he said.

Dembélé also highlighted several other players he believes deserve recognition, including Bayern Munich's Michael Olise, Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, PSG midfielder Fabian Ruiz and teammate Willian Pacho.

“Michael Olise could be in there because he had an incredible season. He was the best player in the Bundesliga. Lamine Yamal too. Fabian Ruiz, Pacho... We forget Pacho. I hope we don't forget him this year because he deserves it,” he added.

Interestingly, Dembélé believes the Ballon d'Or will remain at PSG for another year.

“I think this trophy will remain in the hands of a Paris Saint-Germain player,” he said.

The 2026 shortlist includes 10 PSG players, giving the European champions a strong presence in the race. Alongside Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia, Pacho and Ruiz are among the club's nominees, while Vitinha, Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes, João Neves, Marquinhos and Ferran Torres also made the list.

The winner will be announced at the Ballon d'Or ceremony in London on October 26.