Following Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) triumphant Champions League victory, manager Luis Enrique has publicly endorsed Ousmane Dembele for the Ballon d'Or. The Spaniard stated that Dembele deserves the coveted award, highlighting the player's all-around contribution to the team's success.

Enrique emphasized Dembele's defensive work rate in the Champions League final against Inter Milan, alongside his attacking prowess. Despite not scoring in the 5-0 victory, Dembele provided two assists and played a crucial role in the build-up to another goal. Enrique told reporters that he would give the Ballon d'Or to Ousmane Dembele for the way he defended in the final, stating that is what you call leading a team. He believes Dembele deserves the Ballon d'Or without a doubt, not just for the titles he won or the goals he scored, but for his pressing. He's done it all season, but exceptionally in this final.

Dembele's stellar season saw him score 33 goals and provide 15 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions. In the Champions League alone, he was involved in 14 goals (8 goals, 6 assists), only second to Karim Benzema's 17 in 2021-22 for a French player in a single season. His overall goal involvement of 46 placed him among Europe's top five leagues, only surpassed by Mohamed Salah (57), Raphinha (56), Harry Kane (49), and Kylian Mbappe (48).

PSG's recent dominance has been a team effort, with young talents like Desire Doue also shining. Enrique had previously warned Europe of PSG's ambition to "conquer the footballing world," and their Champions League win, coupled with Ligue 1 and Coupe de France titles, demonstrates their potential. After PSG's record-breaking season, Luis Enrique stated that what the team conveys is much more important than a Ballon d'Or and that individual awards don't matter to him.

While other players like Mohamed Salah, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal are also in contention for the Ballon d'Or, Luis Enrique is certain that Dembele is the favorite after the club's first-ever treble win.

Most recently, after a Club World Cup semi-final against Real Madrid, where Paris St Germain won 4-0, Luis Enrique again tipped Ousmane Dembele to win the Ballon d'Or after another devastating display.