Ballon d’Or: Deschamps drops everything on Dembélé, Doué and Yamal!

On the eve of the high-stakes Nations League semi-final between France and Spain, French national team coach Didier Deschamps faced the press with no filters. A year after suffering heartbreak at the hands of Spain in the Euro semi-finals, Les Bleus have their chance at redemption — and Deschamps took the moment to speak candidly about his key players and their Ballon d’Or chances.

France’s defeat in the last Euros remains fresh in the minds of fans and players alike. It was a game that marked the rise of Spain’s teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal, who tormented the French defense with a fearless display far beyond his years. Now, with another semi-final looming, the spotlight is once again on the Barça prodigy.

However, Deschamps quickly turned that spotlight toward his own players, especially Ousmane Dembélé. When asked about the Ballon d’Or and who he believes deserves to win it, the coach made no attempt to dodge the question. “If I had to make a choice, I would say Ousmane 100%,” Deschamps declared with conviction.

Dembélé, who has been enjoying a stellar season both domestically and internationally, has drawn plenty of praise for his consistency and maturity. Deschamps didn’t hesitate to highlight his French winger’s accomplishments, stating, “He is French and is having a remarkable season… I know that this amuses some in the media, but it is not my subject today.”

While much of the footballing world continues to be enthralled by the dazzling skills of Lamine Yamal, Deschamps reminded everyone that the race for the Ballon d’Or is not just about moments of brilliance — it’s about an entire season. “This Nations League, like the Club World Cup, can provide answers,” he noted. “I’m not going to compare with Lamine today, but if I had to choose, it would be Ousmane 100%.”

Deschamps acknowledged that his opinion might not sit well with fans in Spain. “If you tell the Spanish people that, they won’t agree,” he said with a smirk. “This Nations League may or may not name a name, but it is above all the season as a whole that counts. The season that Dembélé is having fully deserves it.”

The French coach’s firm stance on Dembélé’s Ballon d’Or candidacy comes at a time when the debate over who should win the prestigious award is heating up. With players like Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Jude Bellingham also having standout seasons, Deschamps’ endorsement is significant.

But it wasn’t only Dembélé who received attention during the press conference. An eager Spanish journalist took the opportunity to ask Deschamps to compare Lamine Yamal with another emerging French star, Désiré Doué. Once again, Deschamps gave an honest but nuanced answer.

“It’s difficult to compare,” he responded. “Yamal is at Barça, he is very young, even younger than Désiré. Désiré finished the season very strongly, especially leaving his mark in the Champions League. I know him well; he has everything organized in his head, which is the key to his success. Now, we are waiting for him to show that level even more consistently.”

Doué, who plays for Stade Rennais, has emerged as one of France’s brightest talents, and his trajectory has been closely monitored by the national team staff. His maturity and impact at such a young age draw inevitable comparisons to players like Yamal, but Deschamps refused to declare a winner in that debate — instead, he urged both to continue their growth paths.

Turning to team matters ahead of the semi-final, Deschamps also addressed the issue of fatigue among his squad, particularly the five Paris Saint-Germain players included in the lineup. “They’re here, and I’m counting on them,” he stated. “They’re very happy to be part of the team, but there is a bit of fatigue.”

He further explained the different physical conditions of some players. “Benjamin and Marcus don’t feel the same tiredness because their last matches weren’t too long ago. I talk with them because you never know how the body will react. Recovery is key, and the match is approaching fast.”

France’s preparations have included careful physical assessments and light training sessions to ensure that players are at their best when they step onto the pitch. “We have a short session planned today. We’re doing everything possible to ensure we are ready. Of course, victory would be a great thing,” Deschamps said, ending with a hopeful tone.

The upcoming clash between France and Spain promises to be a football spectacle. On one side, the youthful exuberance of Lamine Yamal leads the Roja. On the other, the depth and experience of France, with stars like Dembélé and Doué ready to shine. For Deschamps, it’s not just a game — it’s a statement.

Whether or not the Nations League semi-final will influence the Ballon d’Or voting remains to be seen. But for now, Deschamps has made his pick, and he’s placed his full faith in Ousmane Dembélé.

A victory over Spain would not only offer France a shot at the Nations League trophy but also give Dembélé a bigger platform to press his Ballon d’Or claim. And as Deschamps emphasized, football is not just about brilliance — it’s about consistency, sacrifice, and rising in moments that matter most.

As fans wait for kickoff, one thing is certain: the narratives are already rich, and the stakes could not be higher. Dembélé, Doué, and Yamal — three names with the world watching.

But in Deschamps’ eyes, only one is truly worthy of the biggest prize in football this season. And that man wears blue.