Former France international Gael Clichy has thrown his weight behind Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembele to scoop the 2025 Ballon d’Or, calling him the “most complete player” in football today.

Speaking on RMC Sport, Clichy argued that Dembele stands out this year because of his incredible stats and all-round impact on the pitch.

“The Ballon d’Or rewards players who are decisive — you have to look at individual stats, which Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have shown us over the years,” Clichy said.

 

“This year, Ousmane Dembele has some pretty crazy numbers. And even when he comes off the bench, he’s sharp, with or without the ball, pressing high and causing problems.”

While Dembele didn’t quite hit Messi-Ronaldo levels of 90 goals in a calendar year, Clichy insists the French winger is still the clear choice.

“With Thierry Henry, we always say Ousmane is the most complete. He can score, make others score, create chaos, and also track back to help defensively. For me today, he’s the winner hands down.”

Dembele capped off a stellar season with 35 goals and 16 assists in 52 games across all competitions. However, his PSG side fell short in the Club World Cup final, losing 3-0 to Chelsea at MetLife Stadium.

Despite that setback, Dembele’s electric performances have made a strong case for football’s top individual honour. As Ballon d’Or voting nears, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see if Clichy’s prediction comes true.