Former Real Madrid midfielder Guti has shared his thoughts on the upcoming 2025 Ballon d'Or award, suggesting that Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele may not be the most deserving recipient despite his impressive season.
Guti acknowledged Dembele's remarkable achievements but expressed his belief that "there are better players" who could claim football's most prestigious individual honor.
Dembele's Stellar Season
The 28-year-old French international enjoyed an exceptional 2024/25 campaign with PSG, securing a treble that included the Champions League, Ligue 1, and French Cup titles. Dembele's individual statistics were equally impressive, with 48 goal involvements in 49 matches across all competitions.
Despite these achievements, Guti remains unconvinced about Dembele's Ballon d'Or credentials.
Guti's Perspective on the Award
Speaking to Marca, the former Real Madrid star expressed his reservations about the award's criteria: "I don't really like the award. Sometimes titles matter, sometimes they don't."
"It should be based on goals, assists, and key performances. If we go by the season alone, maybe Dembele, though I believe there are better players," Guti added.
Strong Competition
Dembele is expected to face fierce competition for the prestigious award from several elite players, including Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe, Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, and Barcelona duo Raphinha and Lamine Yamal.
The French Football Federation (FFF) president has already voiced support for a particular candidate, while former players like Gerard Pique have ranked several Barcelona players among the top contenders.
The organizers of the Ballon d'Or have announced the date for revealing the nominees, with football fans eagerly awaiting the shortlist for this year's award.
Stay updated with the latest Ballon d'Or news and other sports updates by following BenriNews on our social media platforms:
