In the race for the prestigious Ballon d'Or, Mohamed Salah and Ousmane Dembele are emerging as formidable contenders, each carving out a brilliant season. Salah, the current frontrunner, has returned to his peak form, driving Liverpool towards the Premier League title. Meanwhile, Dembele is challenging Salah's dominance with a breathtaking start to 2025, showcasing his prowess on the field with Paris Saint-Germain.
Mohamed Salah's exceptional performance this season has positioned him as the favorite for the Ballon d'Or. His remarkable form has not only bolstered Liverpool's ambitions in the Premier League but has also reinstated his status as one of the world's top footballers. Salah's contributions have been pivotal in Liverpool's pursuit of domestic glory, and his consistency on the field continues to impress fans and critics alike.
On the other hand, Ousmane Dembele is proving to be a worthy adversary in this year's Ballon d'Or contention. With 18 goals in 22 Ligue 1 appearances and five assists, Dembele's impact has been nothing short of phenomenal. His Champions League performances further bolster his case, adding six more goals and an assist to his tally, culminating in a total of 26 goals and six assists across 33 appearances in all competitions.
Dembele's resurgence has been a defining aspect of PSG's season. His previous best season with Barcelona in 2018-19 saw him netting 14 goals and seven assists, but this year he has significantly surpassed that benchmark. His former manager at Stade Rennais praised Dembele's transformation.
"He has completely taken on the leadership of Paris' offensive play. I'm not surprised, just proud of him and very happy for him, because I know it weighed on him not finishing better. Today, we can feel he's fully liberated and fulfilled by the way he's being used."
- Originates from: Former manager at Stade Rennais
This season, Dembele has embraced a new tactical role, operating as both a false nine and on the right wing. This strategic shift has enabled him to assume greater responsibility, filling the void left by Kylian Mbappe's absence. Despite having half the number of goals as Salah in the Champions League, Dembele compensates with three more assists, highlighting his versatility and contribution to the team.
As PSG prepares for their quarter-final clash with Croatia later this month, Dembele is set to play a pivotal role. His performance in these key matches will not only influence PSG's success but could also significantly impact his chances in the Ballon d'Or race. Leading France to victory in the Nations League would further strengthen his bid for the coveted award.
Arne Slot emphasized the importance of team success in individual accolades.
"It's not just about the amount of prizes you win, but most of the ones who won the league or Champions League," the Dutchman said. "But football is always like this – you need the team to win an individual prize. But Mo understands that. It's mostly about attackers but the last winner was a midfielder. Good thing Mo is in discussion as that means he is doing well and that means we are doing well. In general, someone who wins the Ballon d'Or needs to win something as well."
- Originates from: Arne Slot
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