Dembéle emerges as the prime candidate for the coveted Golden Ball award in his professional career.
Win Big with the Golden Ball
The shocking exit of Spanish powerhouse Barcelona from the Champions League has shaken up the race for football's most prestigious individual honor – the Golden Ball. Previously, contenders like Lamine Yamal, Rafinha (both Barcelona), and Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) were the bookies' favorites. But the scene has drastically changed, and the new frontrunner is none other than French sensation Usman Dembélé of PSG.
Dembélé's odds for the Golden Ball have plummeted from 4.50 to a tantalizing 3.50.
With PSG already securing the league title and reaching the cup final, Dembélé and the Parisians are just a step away from achieving the coveted "golden treble" this season. They've already clinched the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Arsenal (1:0). Dembélé has been a key player for PSG this season, averaging one goal or assist per game, boasting an incredible 33 goals and 12 assists in 45 club appearances.
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After Barcelona's elimination from the Champions League, several high-profile players have emerged as frontrunners for the 2025 Ballon d'Or. Here are some of the most promising contenders:
- Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain): Dembele's consistent brilliance and PSG's strong showing in the Champions League have propelled him to the front of the pack.
- Raphinha (Barcelona): Despite Barcelona's early exit, Raphinha remains a formidable contender, with his impressive performances for the team not going unnoticed.
- Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan): Martinez's strong play, coupled with a potential Champions League/league double for Inter Milan, could see him contend for the Golden Ball.
- Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid): Though his chances may have been affected by Real Madrid's recent performances, Mbappe remains a force to be reckoned with in the race for the Golden Ball.
- Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona): Despite Barcelona's Champions League elimination, Lewandowski's impressive form this season keeps him in the running.
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG): Kvaratskhelia's success with PSG, including his contribution towards potential league and Champions League titles, makes him another contender to watch.
- In the European leagues, bookmakers have significantly slashed Ousmane Dembélé's odds for the Golden Ball, making him the top contender following Barcelona's elimination from the Champions League.
- Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, a previous favorite for the Golden Ball, now faces a more challenging road with the absence of his former team in the Champions League.
- Dembélé's impressive statistics this season, such as his average of one goal or assist per game in 45 club appearances for PSG, have solidified his spot as the bookies' frontrunner.
- Contenders like Raphinha, Lautaro Martinez, Kylian Mbappé, and Robert Lewandowski still pose a threat in the race for the 2025 Ballon d'Or, but the new dynamic brought about by the Champions League shakeup gives Dembélé a significant advantage.
- With PSG's promising shows in both the Champions League and French league, the sports analysis has predicted Dembélé's potential "golden treble" and his strong chances for the Golden Ball.
