Bertrand Latour places Dembélé in top 5 for next Ballon d'Or despite criticism

Ousmane Dembélé will rank among the four or five best players in the world at the next Ballon d’Or, according to journalist Bertrand Latour, who defended the PSG forward after his disappointing performances during France’s latest international break.

“He is a player who is among the 4-5 best players in the world. He is Ballon d’Or material, he will be in the top 4-5 again in a few months in London,” Latour said, dismissing criticism questioning the former Barcelona player’s place in the France squad.

The journalist does not deny Dembélé’s recent underperformance with the national team, but judges the reactions disproportionate. “He was not good, he was among the least performing players on the pitch, I watched the same match. But the debates are almost about whether he deserves to be in the 23… I think these people are crazy,” he added, emphasizing that national team managers have a longer memory than some observers.

Votes from the 100 international journalists authorized to name the winner closed on September 28. The full ranking will be revealed on October 26 at the ceremony organized by France Football at the Palladium Theatre in London, where Dembélé, the defending champion, will learn who succeeds him.