Ousmane Dembélé’s Historic Possibility: Ballon d’Or and World Cup Double
French footballer Ousmane Dembélé could become only the third player in history to win the Ballon d’Or and the FIFA World Cup if he maintains his current form and leads France to success in both competitions, according to multiple reports and historical comparisons.
The 25-year-old Barcelona forward has been a key figure for both club and country, though his career has been marked by injuries and inconsistent performances. However, his recent resurgence has sparked discussions about his potential to achieve what only Michel Platini (1984) and Lionel Messi (2014) have done: winning the Ballon d’Or and the World Cup in the same calendar year.
What Are the Chances of Dembélé Winning Both Awards?
Dembélé’s path to the Ballon d’Or hinges on his performance in the 2022-23 season and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. According to UEFA’s statistical analysis, he scored 12 goals and provided 7 assists in 32 La Liga matches during the 2022-23 campaign, placing him among the top 10 in both categories. However, his injury history—14 matches missed in the past two seasons—raises concerns about his consistency.
The French Football Federation (FFF) has not commented directly on Dembélé’s prospects, but head coach Didier Deschamps has emphasized the importance of “complete players” for the World Cup. “Ousmane has the talent, but he needs to prove he can be reliable over 90 minutes,” Deschamps said in a press conference on May 15.
How Would This Achievement Compare to Past Legends?
Only two players have won the Ballon d’Or and the World Cup in the same year: Michel Platini in 1984 and Lionel Messi in 2014. Platini led France to the 1984 European Championship title before winning the Ballon d’Or, while Messi’s 2014 World Cup campaign was marred by a final loss to Germany. Dembélé’s challenge is unique because he would need to win both awards in the same calendar year, a feat that has never been attempted since Messi.
Historians note that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar presented a different context. “The 2022 tournament was a transitional period for France, with a younger squad. Dembélé’s role would need to be more central than in previous years,” said Dr. Emma Lefevre, a sports historian at the University of Paris.
What Are the Key Factors for Dembélé’s Success?
Several factors could influence Dembélé’s chances. First, his physical condition is critical. Barcelona’s medical team has stated that he has “no long-term issues,” but his availability for the World Cup remains uncertain. Second, the French squad’s dynamics. Deschamps has prioritized players like Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappé, though Dembélé’s pace and dribbling could provide a creative edge.
Another factor is the Ballon d’Or voting process. The award is determined by a panel of journalists, with a focus on “outstanding performance” during the calendar year. Dembélé would need to outshine competitors like Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Vinícius Júnior, who have also had standout seasons.
What Are the Implications for the 2023-24 Season?
Barcelona’s performance in the 2023-24 season
