After another historical season for PSG, as many as ten different players from Luis Enrique's side have been acknowledged with nominations for the Ballon d'Or
Last year, at home in the French capital of Paris, PSG superstar Ousmane Dembele received the Ballon d’Or award for his exceptional 24/25 season, where he scored 33 goals, provided 13 assists and helped the club to a first ever treble.
This year, at the award ceremony in London next month, the Frenchman will be hoping he will be able to retain the award, alongside several of his club team mates who will be hoping to win the trophy too.
Well, there is certainly every chance that happens, as as many as ten different PSG players have been nominated for the award, officially confirmed today.
Indeed so, as Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves, Willian Pacho, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz and Ferran Torres have all been nominated.
So, that is everyone who started the UEFA Champions League final apart from Matvey Safonov and Desire Doue. Then add Torres who has been nominated for his body of work at FC Barcelona (and the Spain national team). 10 players is excellent work from all involved, you have to say. A great achievement from the club, even with one technicality, for want of a better word.
Truth be told, it feels a little bit harsh on Doue perhaps. He had another good season, scoring 13 times and providing a further eight assists for PSG, including two assists against Bayern Munich in the semi final first leg, which proved pivotal in the end. He also scored once, assisted once and won a crucial penalty for France at the World Cup.
Ah well, you can't win them all, and he can use it as extra motivation this year. Everyone who has been included feels like they deserve their nomination after another excellent season.
Not just at club level with Luis Enrique's side, but also at the World Cup. Ruiz was a key part of the Spain team who won the tournament, whilst Dembele scored six goals and provided two assists for France. The only player who did not feature at the tournament from those nominated was Kvaratskhelia, but he was named the Champions League Player of the Year, so his inclusion is more than deserved. Not his fault where he was born either.
So, those are the nominees in full, we will find out on the 26th of October who won the award. Stay tuned here at Roundtable for all the updates.
