“I’ve always been at the back of the class working hard. Throughout my career, I haven’t said a word. I’ve worked incredibly hard,” responded Ousmane Dembélé when quizzed about his chances of winning the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
Dembélé’s career has been littered with bumps in the road, but his diligence cannot be questioned. Last year, he was honored with soccer’s most coveted individual accolade courtesy of that industry—a result of astonishing campaign with Paris Saint-Germain that culminated in a first-ever Champions League title for the club.
