Ousmane Dembélé’s career has been a rollercoaster, defined by flashes of brilliance interspersed with frustrating injuries and inconsistency. The question of whether he could ever win the Ballon d’Or seems, at times, fanciful. However, examining his current trajectory and the landscape of football, it’s not entirely impossible, although highly improbable.
Firstly, Dembélé would need a monumental shift in several key areas. Consistency is paramount. He’s demonstrated world-class dribbling, passing, and finishing at times, but rarely strings these together over extended periods. To be a Ballon d’Or contender, he needs to consistently dominate games for an entire season, or even multiple seasons.
Secondly, goal contributions are crucial. Ballon d’Or voters tend to favor players who score or assist a significant number of goals. While Dembélé’s playmaking abilities are undeniable, he needs to significantly increase his goal output. He would need to be averaging a goal or assist per game to truly enter the conversation.
Thirdly, team success is vital. No player has won the Ballon d’Or without their team achieving major trophies. Dembélé would need to be instrumental in Paris Saint-Germain winning the Champions League, Ligue 1, or the World Cup with France. Leading his team to these titles would provide the platform needed for individual recognition.
Fourthly, he needs to overcome the perception that he is injury-prone. Voters might be hesitant to back a player with a history of injuries, fearing that they could miss crucial parts of the season. Maintaining peak fitness and avoiding significant injuries is non-negotiable for a Ballon d’Or push.
Looking at the current field of contenders, players like Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Vinícius Júnior have already established themselves as potential future winners. Dembélé would need to leapfrog these established stars, as well as emerging talents, to claim the coveted award. This requires not only exceptional performance but also a narrative that separates him from the pack – a story of overcoming adversity, achieving the unexpected, and captivating audiences with his skills.
Finally, the Ballon d’Or is also about popularity and perception. Dembélé needs to cultivate a positive image and build a strong connection with fans and media. He needs to be seen as a role model, both on and off the field, to sway public opinion in his favor.
In conclusion, while Ousmane Dembélé possesses the raw talent to potentially contend for the Ballon d’Or, the road ahead is steep. It requires a dramatic improvement in consistency, goal contributions, team success, fitness, and public perception. While the odds are stacked against him, the unpredictable nature of football means it’s not entirely outside the realm of possibility, but it remains a very long shot.