Gianluigi Donnarumma has expressed his support for Ousmane Dembélé as the contender he believes should win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, endorsing his former Paris Saint-Germain teammate ahead of the conclusion of this year’s competition for football’s most coveted individual accolade.
In an interview with L’Équipe after France faced Italy in the Nations League on October 2, the Manchester City goalkeeper was prompted to share his top candidate for the award. He identified Dembélé as his preferred choice.
This support follows Dembélé’s impressive season with PSG, during which he solidified his status as one of Europe’s foremost attacking talents. His performances have garnered significant attention, especially as he aims to hold onto the accolade after being crowned the 2025 Men’s Ballon d’Or winner.
Donnarumma’s remarks carry personal significance, as he and Dembélé were teammates at PSG before the goalkeeper transferred to Manchester City. This shared experience allowed Donnarumma to see Dembélé’s impact both on and off the field.
The Italian goalkeeper’s support also highlights the strong bond forged between teammates, with Dembélé continuing to gain recognition from players who understand his abilities. While Donnarumma’s endorsement contributes to the ongoing discourse surrounding the 2026 award, it remains his personal view and does not necessarily reflect the outcome of the eventual vote.
In the meantime, Dembélé has not engaged in an active campaign for the honor. As the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony approaches on October 26 in London, focus will stay on the nominees as the football community anticipates the announcement.
