Writers 
Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has named Ousmane Dembélé as his choice for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, backing the Paris Saint-Germain forward to retain the prestigious individual award.
Donnarumma made the comment after Italy’s 1-1 draw with France in the Nations League on Friday. Speaking to L’Équipe after the match, the Italian goalkeeper was asked who he would like to see win this year’s Ballon d’Or and responded: “For me, it’s Ousmane Dembélé.”
The endorsement is notable because Donnarumma and Dembélé spent time together at Paris Saint-Germain before the goalkeeper moved to Manchester City. Their time in Paris coincided with one of the most successful periods in the French club’s history, giving Donnarumma a close view of Dembélé’s performances.
Dembélé won the 2025 Ballon d’Or after playing a major role in PSG’s successful campaign. UEFA reported that the French forward helped the club win its first Champions League title and also contributed to a domestic double. He finished the 2024/25 campaign with 37 goals and 15 assists across competitions.
The Frenchman is among the 30 players nominated for the 2026 Ballon d’Or. UEFA confirmed the shortlist in September, with Dembélé joined by several of the biggest names in world football, including Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, Vinícius Júnior, Mohamed? No, Luis Díaz, Bruno Fernandes and Rodri.
Donnarumma’s choice also comes at a time when Dembélé is attempting to become the first player since Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s dominant era to win the award in consecutive years. The 2026 race features a wide range of established stars and emerging talents, making the final result one of the major talking points in European football.
Dembélé himself has previously discussed the 2026 award. In an interview with France Football reported by L’Équipe and Le Parisien, the forward suggested that the trophy could once again remain at PSG. He also named Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé among the players he considered strong candidates.
Interestingly, Donnarumma’s comments came immediately after he faced Dembélé and his France teammates. The goalkeeper produced an impressive display during the match, making several important saves as Italy secured a draw against the hosts.
Donnarumma was particularly tested during the encounter, with reports noting that he made seven saves against France. The goalkeeper also revealed that Adrien Rabiot’s effort was the most difficult shot he faced during the game.
The Italy international therefore had an opportunity to assess Dembélé from the opposition side rather than as a teammate. Despite facing the French forward during the match, he still singled him out when asked about his preferred Ballon d’Or winner.
The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled to take place at the London Palladium Theatre on October 26. The event will mark the 70th anniversary of the award, which was created by France Football in 1956 and has been jointly organised by France Football and UEFA since 2024.
Donnarumma’s endorsement adds another high-profile voice to the discussion surrounding this year’s award. While his selection is a personal opinion rather than an indication of the eventual result, it highlights the continued recognition Dembélé receives from players who have shared the pitch and dressing room with him.
With the ceremony still ahead, Dembélé will now look to build on his previous success as he competes against a strong field of nominees. Whether he can retain the award will ultimately be decided through the official Ballon d’Or voting process, but Donnarumma has made his preference clear: for him, Ousmane Dembélé remains the player deserving of the prize.
