PSG Star Dembele in Ballon d'Or Contention

"I'm thinking about the Ballon d'Or. I know that, with the season I have had, I am not far."

Paris Saint-Germain's star forward Ousmane Dembélé enters Wednesday's pivotal Club World Cup semi-final against Real Madrid as a leading contender for this year's prestigious Ballon d'Or award. The French international has been instrumental in PSG's remarkable season, helping the young and dynamic squad secure an impressive treble of Champions League, Ligue 1, and Coupe de France titles.

The Road to Ballon d'Or Contention

With 34 goals and 15 assists across 51 matches this season, Dembélé has produced career-best numbers that have propelled him into the Ballon d'Or conversation. PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi made his stance clear: "Ousmane's season is magnificent. If he doesn't win it, there is a problem with the Ballon d'Or. He has done everything."

The upcoming semi-final presents a fascinating subplot as Dembélé faces former teammate Kylian Mbappé, whose departure from PSG last summer arguably created the opportunity for Dembélé's breakout season.

From Barcelona Struggles to PSG Stardom

Dembélé's journey to this point has been anything but straightforward:

• Once the world's second-most expensive player after his €135.5m move to Barcelona in 2017
• Battled inconsistency and injuries during six seasons at Camp Nou
• PSG secured his services for just £43.5m in August 2023

Manager Luis Enrique challenged Dembélé to become more goal-focused following Mbappé's departure, a challenge the 28-year-old has embraced wholeheartedly in his new role as PSG's attacking focal point.

The Personal Transformation Behind the Success

Dembélé's remarkable turnaround stems from several key factors:

1. Tactical Evolution: Transitioned from right wing to false nine role, increasing his involvement in build-up play while maintaining goal threat.

2. Lifestyle Changes: After marrying in 2021 and becoming a father, Dembélé adopted a more professional approach:

• Hired a personal nutritionist
• Implemented preventative injury treatments
• Improved training discipline

3. Mental Maturity: The former "most-fined player" at Barcelona has developed into a leader for PSG, demonstrating the consistency that once eluded him.

As the football world awaits the Ballon d'Or nominations in August, Dembélé's case grows stronger with each performance. His former teammate Mbappé recently endorsed him: "I vote for Dembélé." Should he lead PSG to Club World Cup glory, it might just be the final argument needed to claim football's most prestigious individual honor.