PSG: "I don't care," Dembélé's response to those criticizing his Ballon d'Or

In an interview with France Football this Saturday, Ousmane Dembélé opened up about the criticism he receives, acknowledging it while dismissing it. The PSG striker also believes that Khvicha Kvaratskhelia deserves to succeed him as Ballon d'Or winner.

Not much has changed in Ousmane Dembélé's life since winning the 2025 Ballon d'Or, except for "a bit more criticism." In an interview with France Football this Saturday, the PSG striker reflected on his new status, acquired in particular thanks to this individual trophy which places him in a select group.

Naturally more exposed, the player in question is also experiencing the downside. "I don't care about being criticized," declared Ousmane Dembélé, believing that "it's part of the game." "You'll always have criticism in football. Even more so when you're a Ballon d'Or winner. You've won the biggest individual trophy, you're under even more scrutiny. It makes me laugh. You're constantly under scrutiny. But it doesn't bother me."

With PSG in 2025-2026, Ousmane Dembélé participated in 40 matches across all competitions, scoring 20 goals and providing 11 assists. "We have to be strong all the time," he added regarding the consequences of his new status. "You have to be good in every match, otherwise people say, 'Oh look!' It's very funny, but it doesn't change anything. We'll always receive criticism."

Dembélé would vote for Kvaratskhelia

Having been awarded the Ballon d'Or for the 2024-2025 season, coinciding with PSG's first Champions League title, Ousmane Dembélé and his teammates celebrated a second consecutive Champions League victory. While not considered one of the favorites to retain his award, the 29-year-old proved decisive in crucial Champions League matches, scoring in every game from the quarter-final second leg onwards.

"I was better in the decisive moments, very clearly," Dembélé said, compared to the previous season. "And that makes a difference. That's the first criterion, isn't it? With the physical problems I had at the beginning of the season, the coach knew how to manage me well in order to preserve me for the decisive moments."

Ousmane Dembélé isn't really worried about not winning the Ballon d'Or again. "That's football. It's never been an obsession. A goal or a dream, yes, but not an obsession," the most recent winner confided, wishing "that the best man wins." If he had to vote, Dembélé would vote for his teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, also placing Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé on the podium. Would he vote for himself? "Oh no, if it's me speaking, I'm not including myself, I'm not voting for myself," Dembélé stated firmly.