Football: Who will win the Ballon d'Or? Dembele, Yamal or Salah?

Here comes the million-dollar question. Who will win the Ballon d'Or?

The ghost of 2024: Vinicius's unfinished business

It was Rodri who won it last time around, and there was loads of drama when Vinicius didn't claim the prize despite being a critical force in Real Madrid's Champions League and La Liga triumphs. The Brazilian vowed he would "do it 10x this time around," but he hasn't lived up to those expectations.

Neither has his team. Real Madrid couldn't secure any major silverware in this season, though they'll be gunning for the expanded inaugural FIFA Club World Cup. But that won't be enough for Vinicius or even his Real Madrid teammate Kylian Mbappé, who had a relatively good individual season after claiming the Pichichi and European Golden Shoe.

What about Lamine Yamal?

So who will claim football's ultimate individual prize? Lamine Yamal, who at just 17 has produced big magical moments for Barcelona this season, failed to show up in the Nations League final. But does that competition really matter for Ballon d'Or consideration? Not particularly, though media opinion carries significant weight in the voting process.

His Barcelona teammate Raphinha had a stellar campaign, racking up 59 goal contributions across all competitions under Hansi Flick's guidance and becoming clutch on many occasions. However, Barcelona failed to win the big European prize — the Champions League.

The Champions League factor

When Rodri claimed the award, he didn't win the Champions League but had an excellent season with Manchester City and starred for Spain as Player of the Tournament. This year, there's no Euros, Copa América, or World Cup to consider, so the Champions League will play a crucial role in determining the winner.

PSG conquered Europe's premier competition and didn't stop there — they secured a remarkable quadruple. Logic suggests the Ballon d'Or winner will emerge from their squad.

The PSG contenders

Who from that star-studded lineup deserves the recognition? Vitinha controlled proceedings in midfield with his composed displays. Nuno Mendes had an unbelievable season from left-back and topped it off by winning the Nations League with Portugal.

But neither will claim the ultimate prize.

What about Mohamed Salah?

The Egyptian superstar had a sensational season for Liverpool, helping them win the Premier League. During the season, there was a time Liverpool were solely reliant on his contributions to win games, but he won't win the Ballon d'Or as Liverpool crashed out of the Champions League and he couldn't deliver in Europe. Neither did his team win any domestic trophies as well. Also, towards the end of the season his numbers dried up, but he had a stellar season.

My pick: Ousmane Dembélé

It will be Ousmane Dembélé, and here's why.

The French winger was absolutely incredible for Luis Enrique's side. It wasn't smooth sailing at the beginning of the campaign, but everything changed when Lucho deployed him in that false 9 role. Suddenly, Dembélé became the catalyst for everything PSG did well.

He initiated the high press, rotated positions effectively with the wide players, and delivered crucial assists and goals when it mattered most. While PSG's success was undoubtedly a collective effort, Dembélé stood out from the rest in my opinion.

Why Dembélé makes sense

Vitinha might have a case after Rodri's triumph last year proved midfielders can win, but the Ballon d'Or often recognises forward players. The award has always had that bias towards those who grab headlines with goals and assists.

Here's the fun part: the Ballon d'Or is organised by France Football magazine, and UEFA is also part of it. A French player winning it after securing a historic quadruple with a French club? That's the easiest prediction you'll make this year.

It would be thoroughly deserving too. Dembélé transformed from a talented but inconsistent winger into PSG's most important player when it mattered most. He's Enrique's pick, and he is my pick too.

The golden ball is heading to Paris, and Ousmane Dembélé will be the man holding it.