Barcelona Claim Threatens PSG Star’s Ballon d’Or Dream in Tense Final Race

Nonetheless, Bairner does admit that the hype machine pushing Yamal for the Ballon d’Or could be too much to overcome even if Dembélé factors in PSG winning the Champions League.

“If he gets the winner or plays an important role against Inter for PSG to win, I think it’s going to be very hard to overlook Dembélé for the Ballon d’Or,” Bairner added. “That said, we’ve talked about visibility and the marketability of Ligue 1, and the struggle the league has had to really shine on the big stage.

“That’s going to potentially cost Dembélé in this vote because there’s so much hype around Lamine Yamal at the moment. When you’re watching him play, it’s fully deserved because this is such a thrilling talent. This is a 17-year-old kid who has carried Barcelona—at least to some extent—this season.”