Luis Enrique backs Ousmane Dembele to win the Ballon d'Or

Luis Enrique has tipped striker Ousmane Dembele to win the 2025 Ballon d'Or award after Paris Saint-Germain won the UEFA Champions League for the first time.

Dembele provided two assists as Paris Saint-Germain produced the most dominant performance ever seen in a UEFA Champions League final, as they thrashed Inter Milan 5-0 in Munich.

The French attacker has enjoyed a remarkable season after being converted from a wide player to a central striker in Luis Enrique's team.

Dembele netted 33 times in 49 appearances in all competitions and was also on hand with 15 assists as Paris Saint-Germain sauntered to a treble-winning campaign.

As a result, Dembele is now the odds-on favourite to win the Ballon d'Or, with the likes of Lamine Yamal, Mohamed Salah and Raphinha also in contention to win the award.

But manager Luis Enrique, who has become the second man after Pep Guardiola to win the treble with two different clubs, was in no doubt on who should win the Ballon d'Or when speaking to reporters after the game.

"I'd give the Ballon d'Or to Mr Ousmane Dembele," said Enrique.

"The way he defended, only that can be worth the Ballon d'Or. This is how you lead a team.

"Goals, titles, leadership, defending, how he was pressing. Ousmane is my Ballon d'Or. No doubts at all."

Dembele's season is not over yet after he was named in France's 25-man squad for the upcoming Nations League semi-final against Spain.

Victory for France would see them take on either Germany or Portugal in the final and give Dembele the opportunity to add to his trophy haul.

Matt Gibbs

• Ballon d'Or
• UEFA Champions League
• European Football
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