Ballon d'Or: these former Ligue 1 stars have chosen Ousmane Dembélé

World 22 September 2025 at 10:27

Joshua SOSSOU

News Editor

Several former Ligue 1 (French championship) greats have thrown their support behind Ousmane Dembélé as the 2025 Ballon d'Or winner.

Tonight, Ousmane Dembélé could become the sixth Frenchman to capture the Ballon d'Or. Some of French football’s legendary names are backing his candidacy, including Delio Onnis, the all-time top scorer in Ligue 1 history. "He’s level with a few other players, surely, but since he plays in France, I support him and put him first," the ASM legend explained to RMC Sport.

For his part, Alain Giresse first praised Dembélé’s development before making his pick: "He’s had a Ballon d’Or season. On both an individual level and with team trophies, he ticks all the boxes." Jean-Pierre Papin, the 1991 Ballon d'Or winner, echoed the sentiment: "He deserves the Ballon d'Or because he’s been decisive in every competition."

For these iconic figures of French football, Dembélé now has all the credentials to claim the sport’s highest individual honor. The answer will be revealed in just a few hours.