Dembélé names three Ballon d’Or favourites, snubs Yamal

Ousmane Dembélé has backed Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé as his three choices for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, while also highlighting several other contenders.

Ousmane Dembélé has revealed his three leading choices for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, with Paris Saint-Germain teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia joining Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane and Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé on his shortlist.

The reigning winner was asked to name his preferred candidates as the race for this year’s prestigious individual prize gathers momentum, and surprisingly left himself out of the conversation despite another strong campaign.

Dembélé, who won the 2025 award after helping PSG to European success, instead highlighted the performances of players he believes have made compelling cases for recognition.

“Kvara, and Harry Kane who had a very, very good season, and I think Kylian Mbappé,” he said when naming his top three. Kane has emerged as one of the leading contenders after another prolific campaign, while Mbappé remains firmly in the discussion following his outstanding goalscoring record and strong performances for Real Madrid and France.

Kvaratskhelia’s inclusion also underlines his growing reputation since joining PSG from Napoli, with the Georgian winger establishing himself among Europe’s elite attackers.

Dembélé also argued that several other players deserve consideration, naming Michael Olise, Lamine Yamal, Fabian Ruiz and William Pacho. He was particularly keen to see Pacho receive greater recognition after the defender’s contribution to PSG’s success.

“We forget the latter, Pacho,” Dembélé said. “I hope we do not forget him this year because he deserves it.”

The Frenchman’s choices come as the 2026 Ballon d’Or race remains unusually open, with Kane currently among the leading favourites and Yamal, Mbappé, Rodri and several PSG stars also attracting serious attention.

Unlike last year, when Dembélé eventually claimed the prize after a spectacular season with PSG, the current contest has multiple credible candidates from different clubs and national teams.

His decision not to select himself also contrasts with Mbappé’s recent confidence that he can win the award, with the Real Madrid star openly acknowledging his belief that his performances have put him in contention.

The final outcome will depend on voters assessing individual performances, team achievements and overall impact, ensuring the debate is likely to continue until the ceremony.