'You Just Have To Look At...': Thierry Henry Backs Ousmane Dembele To Win 2025 Ballon d’Or

Last Updated:September 20, 2025, 15:56 IST

Henry opined that compatriot Dembele, who had a tremendous season with PSG netting 35 goals and setting up 16 assists, is the frontrunner for the coveted prize.

PSG's Ousmane Dembele (AFP)

Former French striker Thierry Henry named his clear favourite to lift this year’s Ballon d’Or, football’s highest individual playing honour. Ahead of the forthcoming ceremony on Monday, September 22, Henry came up with an in-form pick he believes will definitely bag the prestigious award.

Among the list of superstars in contention for the award, four players – Ousmane Dembele, Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappe and Mohamed Salah – stand out. While Dembele’s magnificent run with Paris Saint-Germain saw the club lift a Champions League trophy among their four major title wins last season, Yamal was exceptional for Barcelona and helped Spain secure their Euro 2024 crown. Mbappe was terrific for Real Madrid, while Salah starred consistently for Liverpool.

As September 17’s round of Champions League games came to a close, Jamie Carragher and Henry sat down discussing the candidates in line to receive the Ballon d’Or on CBS Sports. Set to host the marquee ceremony, Kate Scott was keen to hear the two experts and asked them to name their likely winner. It is then that Henry, the Arsenal legend, backed Dembele to receive the ultimate prize.

Highlighting his great season for PSG, Henry said the rest of the candidates had distance to cover and a match-up with his fellow countryman. “I don’t even need to talk," he said. “You just have to look at the picture. We can talk about many players, but for me, he will win it."

In spectacular form, Dembele scored 35 goals across all competitions and played a big role in one of PSG’s most successful seasons ever. PSG sporting director Luis Campos also argued in favour of Dembele to get the Ballon d’Or, amidst talks of Yamal running him close for the crown.

“We’re looking at Lamine Yamal as a huge player for the future. But we’re talking about a very specific season. The record has been decisive in all the previous years, and what has Lamine Yamal won? The Spanish league," said Campos, as quoted by SportBible.

“PSG has nine nominees for the Ballon d’Or. We’re very happy and very proud. Other players also deserve to be there, like [Bradley] Barcola and [William] Pacho. Ousmane Dembele scored 35 goals and provided 16 assists. He was voted best player in the Champions League, best player in his league. He finished as the top scorer in his league. He won everything. Whether his name is Leo Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, there’s no discussion."

Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. News18 Sports brings you the latest updates, live commentary, and highlights from cricket, football, tennis, badmintion, wwe and more. Catch breaking news, live scores, and in-depth coverage. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

News sports 'You Just Have To Look At...': Thierry Henry Backs Ousmane Dembele To Win 2025 Ballon d’Or

Read More