Dembélé on Ballon d'Or Criticism: "I Couldn't Care Less"

Ousmane Dembélé has downplayed the criticism he's faced since winning the 2025 Ballon d'Or, stating he doesn't care about the scrutiny. The PSG forward also named his teammate, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, as the ideal successor to the prestigious award.

Since clinching football's most coveted individual prize, Dembélé's life has changed little, save for "a bit more criticism." The 29-year-old addressed his new status and the accompanying pressure, showing indifference to what is said about him in an interview with France Football magazine, published this Saturday.

"I couldn't care less about the criticism. It's part of the game. There will always be criticism in football, even more so when you're a Ballon d'Or winner. We've won the biggest individual trophy, so we're scrutinized even more. It makes me laugh. We're constantly watched, but it doesn't bother me," he emphasized.

The French forward also acknowledged the demands that come with the award: "You have to be strong all the time. You have to perform well in every game, otherwise people say, 'Oh, look!' It's quite funny, but it changes nothing. We'll always receive criticism."

Despite being the current holder, Dembélé doesn't consider himself a top favorite to retain the trophy and assured that winning it again isn't an obsession: "It's football. It's never been an obsession. A goal or a dream, yes, but not an obsession; may the best man win." He is, however, among the 30 nominees, which you can see in the gallery below:

When asked who he would vote for, the PSG forward didn't hesitate to name his teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, completing his podium with Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé. As for voting for himself, his answer was categorical: "Oh no, if I'm talking, I don't include myself, I don't vote for myself."