What Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele said about Leeds will blow fans’ minds
Leeds fans rooting for Raphinha to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or were disappointed on Monday.
The award was instead given to Ousmane Dembele for his efforts in helping Paris Saint-Germain win Ligue 1, the French Cup, the Champions League and the UEFA Super Cup.
Raphinha was a candidate to win this year’s Ballon d’Or trophy, having registered 56 goal contributions and earning the La Liga player of the season award for Barcelona in 2024/25.
However, it’s hard to argue that Dembele didn’t deserve the prize for his contribution to PSG’s outstanding season.
Ousmane Dembele’s admiration for Leeds emerges on social media shortly after Ballon d’Or win
Naturally, there was a lot of discussion surrounding Dembele in the hours after Monday’s Ballon d’Or ceremony.
One Leeds fan entered the discussion on X was keen to remind people what Patrick Bamford had previously said about the Leeds winger.
On a Leeds United podcast, Bamford revealed how Dembele had asked for his and Kalvin Phillips’ Leeds shirts.
Bamford claimed that Illan Meslier had made the request on Dembele’s behalf after a game against Fulham.
After receiving the gift, Dembele supposedly video-called Bamford and sent him a signed Barcelona shirt in return, despite Leeds only just being back in the Premier League.
Raphinha finished fifth in Ballon d’Or rankings
Leeds United’s staff and fans remain huge admirers of Raphinha. The Brazilian did so much to help the club during his time at Elland Road, and that won’t be forgotten for a long time.
He ranked fifth in the Ballon d’Or rankings, indicating just how well he has done since signing for Barcelona.
- 1. Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain)
- 2. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
- 3. Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain)
- 4. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
- 5. Raphinha (Barcelona)
As shocking as it might be that the Ballon d’Or winner is somewhat of a Leeds fan, it’s arguably even more surprising that a former Whites star is in the top five.
With that said, the club has made some excellent signings this summer, and it looks like it will be a productive season at Elland Road.
Anton Stach has the ability to make a Raphinha-like impact at Leeds, while some supporters have joked that Dominic Calvert-Lewin was robbed of this year’s Ballon d’Or award.
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