Al-Ettifaq forward Karl Toko Ekambi has claimed that some in France are uncomfortable with the idea of Ousmane Dembele winning the Ballon d’Or before Kylian Mbappe.
Dembele has emerged as a strong contender for the 2025 Ballon d’Or following a stellar season with Paris Saint-Germain. The 28-year-old winger scored 21 goals in Ligue 1, finishing as the league’s top scorer and playing a key role in PSG’s treble-winning campaign, which included the French Cup and UEFA Champions League.
Speaking during a Twitch session with streamer Ange GR, Toko Ekambi addressed what he perceives as a lack of full support for Dembele within the French football community.
“I even think, in my view, that it bothers the French that Dembele might win the Ballon d’Or before Mbappé,” the 32-year-old Cameroonian said.
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Dembele’s standout performances also earned him the Ligue 1 Player of the Year award, solidifying his case for football’s most prestigious individual honor.
Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe—long seen as France’s next Ballon d’Or winner—could see himself upstaged by his PSG teammate if Dembele’s current form continues.