Dembélé picks Kvaratskhelia, Kane and Mbappé for 2026 Ballon d'Or podium

Ousmane Dembélé, the reigning Ballon d’Or holder, has named his three favourites for the 2026 edition: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé. The Paris Saint-Germain winger spoke to France Football as the official list of nominees is set to be announced Tuesday by the magazine.

For Dembélé, the trophy should remain in PSG’s hands, bolstered by the club’s Ligue des Champions triumph. “I don’t think this trophy is uncertain. I think it will stay in the hands of a Paris Saint-Germain player,” he said. Yet his personal podium includes only one PSG player: Kylian Mbappé, captain of France. The other two spots go to Kvaratskhelia, the Georgian genius of PSG, and Kane, whose “very, very good season” at Bayern Munich he praised.

When asked about his own chances, Dembélé dismissed the question with disarming frankness: “Me? No, I never put myself in things like that. I never vote for myself.” A stance that contrasts with the usual communication campaigns orchestrated around this award.

Beyond his top three, the French World Cup winner readily broadens the debate. He cites Michael Olise — “he was the best player in the Bundesliga, he had an incredible season” — and Lamine Yamal among serious contenders.

But it is William Pacho on whom Dembélé insists most forcefully. The Ecuadorian centre-back at PSG, discreet in public discussions, deserves particular attention according to him: “People forget about him, Pacho. I hope we won’t forget him this year, because he deserves it.” Fabian Ruiz is also mentioned among underrated players in the race for the trophy.