PSG’s Ousmane Dembele reveals Ballon d’Or aspirations while praising ‘exceptional’ Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal

Ousmane Dembele praised the “exceptional” Lamine Yamal while admitting he would love to win the Ballon d’Or “one day”.

Paris Saint-Germain star Dembele delivered a campaign that would have been unthinkable just seven months ago. 

The 28-year-old, whose career appeared to be one of unfulfilled potential after a failed move to Barcelona, dazzled this term to claim the Champions League’s player of the season award and the Ligue 1 Golden Boot.

Having previously only managed to score double figures once in a league campaign, as a teenager at Rennes in 2015-16, this term he managed 33 and 13 assists as PSG won the treble.

“I have had difficult years with injuries, poor performances as well. This season I think I have been consistent, so we will see what happens. 

“It would already be exceptional to have my name on the list. And being one of the favourites is already a great victory, although I hope to win it someday.”

Among his challengers for the coveted prize is Yamal.

After inspiring Spain to European Championship glory last summer, the teenager has continued to scale astonishing heights with Barcelona this term. 

Yamal, still a month shy of his 18th birthday, was pivotal to Barcelona claiming a domestic treble, while he starred on the European stage as the Catalan club reached the semi-final of the Champions League. 

“They were already talking about him from a very young age in Barcelona,” Dembele said of Yamal.

“When he arrived at the professional team, we understood that he was exceptional and took on another dimension. In training, he dribbled, assisted, scored.”

Dembele added:  “I like to dribble, but I am also someone who helps the team a lot, who wants to score goals and assist. 

“Then, everyone thinks what they want and votes for what they want. If you like Ousmane Dembélé, great; if not, life goes on. We’ll see.”

Gerard Pique said he would prefer Lamine Yamal to win the Ballon d’Or over Ousmane Dembéle.

When asked to pick between the Ballon d’Or favourites, Barcelona legend Pique opted for the teenage superstar, on account of him playing for La Blaugrana as well as his involvement with the 38-year-old’s seven-a-side football format, The Kings League.

“They’re both incredible people. I love them both very much.

“I would prefer Lamine Yamal to win because he’s at Barcelona and also involved in the King’s League. He has a team, so I would like him to win.

“But I also really like Ousmane, and if he wins, I’ll be happy for him.”