Ibrahima Konaté Snubs Liverpool Teammate When Picking His Ballon d’Or Winner

As the 2024/25 season draws to a close, the football world is in deep debate as to who deserves this year’s Ballon d’Or. 

The latest to make his pick is Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté, but his choice may raise a few eyebrows among Reds fans. 

Despite a fantastic campaign from Mohamed Salah, where he racked up 57 goal contributions, and played a key role in securing Liverpool’s second Premier League title, Konaté has not opted to back his teammate for the award. 

Instead, he’s backing PSG star Ousmane Dembélé to take the trophy home.

Why did Konaté pick Dembélé over Salah? 

Paris Saint-Germain have enjoyed a remarkable season, winning the quadruple which included a historic inaugural Champions League title. 

Dembélé has been instrumental throughout their success in all competitions, contributing 46 goal involvements and bagging decisive goals in the Champions League against Liverpool and Arsenal, all of which helped the Parisians reach the final where they dismantled Inter Milan 5-0.

Speaking about his decision, Konaté said: “No one talks about Ousmane Dembélé. He has delivered an exceptional season. I have honestly no other words to describe it. Nobody expected it. I’m the happiest man for him. In all honesty, the most deserving Ballon d’Or winner is Ousmane Dembélé.”

Who are the favourites for the Ballon d’Or?

Dembélé and Salah are firmly in the mix, but they are not alone. Barcelona duo Raphinha and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal have both made good cases as to why they should win it this season. 

Interestingly, Spain will face France in the semi-finals of the Nations League today, the last real chance to potentially sway Ballon d’Or voters.  

Should France emerge victorious, it might seal the award for Dembélé. But if Yamal leads Spain to the trophy, it could throw a spanner in the works. 

There is no doubt Dembélé will be hoping Konaté can keep Yamal quiet in tomorrow’s clash – and in doing so, boost his own chances of lifting the Ballon d’Or in September.