Ballon d'Or Race Heats Up: Manu Koné Tips Mbappé and Dembélé for 2025 Glory

As the countdown begins for football’s most prestigious individual honour, AS Roma midfielder Manu Koné has joined the debate, boldly naming his two frontrunners for the 2025 Ballon d’Or — none other than his France national teammates: Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé.

In a quote shared by Madrid Zone, the 24-year-old didn’t hesitate:

“Ballon d’Or? There are two great Frenchmen who can win it: one at PSG [Dembélé], one at Real Madrid [Mbappé]. I am voting for both.”

🔥 Dembélé’s Redemption Arc

It’s been a rollercoaster career for Ousmane Dembélé, plagued with injuries and doubters. But in the 2024/25 season, the wing wizard silenced critics, playing a crucial role in PSG’s historic UEFA Champions League triumph, capped with a 5-0 thrashing of Inter Milan in the final. His performances were electric, creative, and clutch — everything you'd expect from a Ballon d’Or contender.

⚡ Mbappé’s Consistency Is Unreal

Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappé, freshly unveiled as a Real Madrid galáctico, continues to raise the bar. The Golden Shoe winner netted the most goals in Europe this season, adding to his overflowing collection of personal accolades. Though Real Madrid didn’t lift the Champions League this time, Mbappé’s individual brilliance is undeniable.

🗣️ Editor’s Opinion: Is France Poised to Dominate Again?

France may not have lifted the World Cup in 2022, but their individual brilliance keeps shining. With Dembélé rising from the ashes and Mbappé continuing his global reign, it’s not far-fetched to say the Ballon d’Or may return to French hands for the first time since Zidane (1998) — unless you count Benzema’s 2022 win.

Koné's “I vote for both” comment is heartfelt and diplomatic, but in reality, only one can hoist the golden ball. With the award ceremony in September, the final stretch — including EURO 2024 and the Olympics — might just tip the scale in one direction.

🏁 Final Thought:

As the world watches, the question remains:
Will it be Dembélé's comeback story or Mbappé's continued dominance that wins the golden crown?

Either way, France is winning — again. 🇫🇷

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