PSG's Dembélé rushed into the Top 5 of the 2026 Ballon d'Or

The 2026 Ballon d’Or ranking for Ousmane Dembélé will be revealed on October 26 in London, at a ceremony organised by France Football. The votes of one hundred international journalists were closed on September 28, and the PSG striker is already among the favourites.

An open and controversial race

The race for the supreme individual award is described as extremely open. Several contenders do not enjoy unanimous support but put forward solid arguments.

The votes of one hundred international journalists were officially closed on September 28, triggering a wave of speculation about possible winners. Observers note the lack of consensus among experts.

Bertrand Latour, journalist at Canal+, says, “He is a player who belongs among the 4‑5 best players in the world. He is Ballon d’Or, he will be in the 4‑5 again in a short while in London.” He thus predicts that Dembélé, nicknamed “Dembouz”, will climb into the Top 5.

Latour defends the former Barcelona player, heavily criticised after his disappointing gathering with the Bleus. He points out that critics label him as “the least performing on the pitch”. According to him, these remarks are exaggerated.

He adds that the debates mainly revolve around his possible inclusion among the 23 finalists, stating “I think those people are crazy”. He believes that coaches have a more reliable memory than those who “suffer from amnesia”. This perspective shows the division of opinions.

The full Ballon d’Or ranking and Ousmane Dembélé’s successor will be revealed on October 26, at the Palladium Theatre in London, under the auspices of France Football. This ceremony will mark the climax of the awards season.