Ousmane Dembele has emerged as the leading contender for the 2025 Ballon d’Or following Paris Saint-Germain’s commanding Champions League final win over Inter Milan. The French winger played a critical role in PSG’s 5-0 rout, helping the club secure their first-ever European title in emphatic fashion.
PSG’s final goals came from Achraf Hakimi, Desire Doue (twice), Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Senny Mayulu. Yet it was Dembele’s tireless pressing and defensive contributions that caught attention, with manager Luis Enrique highlighting his all-around performance as Ballon d’Or-worthy. Dembele’s season includes 33 goals in 49 matches, and bookmakers now have him at 1/2 to win the award.
He faces competition from Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who notched 18 goals in 55 games and was central to Barca’s La Liga and Copa del Rey triumphs. Mohamed Salah also remains in the frame after firing Liverpool to a second Premier League title with 34 goals, though his odds have lengthened to 8/1.
Other names in the mix include Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (12/1), Raphinha (20/1), Gianluigi Donnarumma (25/1), and Lautaro Martinez (33/1), with long-shot chances for Kylian Mbappe and Pedri at 50/1 each. The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place on September 22 in Paris, with nominees revealed in August.
While PSG celebrates, Arsenal faces questions after missing out on striker Liam Delap, who is now Chelsea-bound in a £30m deal from relegated Ipswich Town. Despite being linked, the Gunners failed to act quickly, allowing their London rivals to swoop in.
Former striker Adebayo Akinfenwa criticized Arsenal’s inaction, calling the missed opportunity baffling. Delap, who scored 12 Premier League goals in a struggling Ipswich team, is seen as a robust, confident forward ready to challenge for a starting spot at Chelsea.
Arsenal, meanwhile, continues its pursuit of a new striker and central midfielder. Talks are ongoing with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres. The Gunners are also close to finalizing a £51 million deal for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi to bolster the midfield.
With Chelsea set to offer Delap significant minutes and a chance to partner with the likes of Cole Palmer and Reece James, many see his signing as smart business. Arsenal, still searching for the ideal No.9, may come to regret passing on the 22-year-old forward.