Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has tipped Paris Saint-Germain winger Ousmane Dembele to win the 2025 Ballon d'Or award following his remarkable season with the French champions.
The former England defender shared his prediction with One Football, stating: "Who is going to win the Ballon d'Or? I'm gonna go....Dembelè."
Dembele has enjoyed a stellar 2024-25 campaign, recording impressive statistics of 33 goals and 13 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions. His Champions League performance has been particularly noteworthy, with eight goals and four assists in 14 matches in Europe's premier club competition.
The French international played a pivotal role in PSG's historic achievement this season, helping the club secure a quadruple of trophies—a feat not accomplished by any club since the 1966-67 football season.
The prestigious Ballon d'Or award, which recognizes the world's best footballer, is scheduled to be presented in September 2025. Last year's award was claimed by Manchester City midfielder Rodri.
Other players reportedly in contention for the 2025 honor include Barcelona duo Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, as well as Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez.
Ferdinand's endorsement adds significant weight to Dembele's candidacy, given the former defender's respected status in the football world and his experience as a pundit and analyst since retiring from professional play.
