Gianluigi Donnarumma has named Ousmane Dembélé as his choice for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, publicly backing his former Paris Saint-Germain teammate as the race for football’s most prestigious individual award approaches its conclusion.
Speaking to L’Équipe following France’s Nations League meeting with Italy on October 2, the Manchester City goalkeeper was asked to identify his preferred candidate for this year’s award. Donnarumma responded by naming Dembélé as his favourite.
The endorsement comes after Dembélé’s remarkable campaign with PSG, which saw him establish himself as one of the leading attacking players in European football. His performances have continued to attract attention as he seeks to retain the Ballon d’Or, having been crowned the 2025 Men’s Ballon d’Or winner.
Donnarumma’s support carries a personal connection, with the two players having shared the PSG dressing room before the Italian goalkeeper moved to Manchester City. Their time together in Paris gave Donnarumma an opportunity to witness Dembélé’s contributions both on and off the pitch.
The Italian goalkeeper’s comments also reflect the strong relationship between former teammates, with Dembélé continuing to receive recognition from players familiar with his qualities. Donnarumma’s endorsement adds to the ongoing discussion surrounding the 2026 award, although it remains his personal preference rather than an indication of the final voting outcome.
Dembélé, meanwhile, has avoided actively campaigning for the prize. With the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony scheduled for October 26 in London, attention will remain on the nominees as the football world awaits the announcement.
