Paris Saint-Germain have narrowed their Ballon d’Or focus to two players as the club looks to maximize its chances of retaining the prestigious award. PSG have nine nominees, with Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, Marquinhos, Joao Neves, Willian Pacho, Fabian Ruiz, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembélé all in the running.
However, Fabian Ruiz has reportedly dropped out of the club’s internal shortlist, leaving Kvaratskhelia and Dembélé as PSG’s two preferred candidates. The Georgian enjoyed a decisive Champions League campaign, while Dembélé enters the race as the reigning Ballon d’Or winner and PSG’s leading scorer.
According to Le Parisien, PSG will now focus its communication and support on Kvaratskhelia and Dembélé ahead of the October 26 ceremony in London. The club could still adjust its position depending on performances and developments during the season, with the upcoming clash against Olympique de Marseille potentially adding another element to the debate. PSG have therefore chosen to concentrate their efforts on two players rather than divide their support among three contenders.
The strategy reflects a wider trend among Europe’s leading clubs, who often focus their support on one or two candidates when several players appear on the Ballon d’Or list. Real Madrid have backed Kylian Mbappé over Jude Bellingham, while Barcelona have focused on Lamine Yamal and Bayern Munich on Harry Kane. PSG now face the same dilemma, with Dembélé and Kvaratskhelia competing against major contenders such as Rodri, Yamal, Mbappé, Kane and Michael Olise.
