Real Madrid News
Ousmane Dembele includes Real Madrid superstar in his top three Ballon d’Or favourites
Ousmane Dembele has backed Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as his three leading candidates for the Ballon d’Or, while insisting that the prestigious award should remain with a Paris Saint-Germain player.
The Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled to take place in London on October 26, with several of the world’s leading players in contention for the individual prize.
Mbappe is among the most prominent candidates despite Real Madrid ending last season without the major collective honours PSG enjoyed.
The France international’s individual production, though, has kept him firmly in the conversation after scoring 42 goals and providing seven assists in 44 appearances across all competitions.
Dembele, the latest Ballon d’Or winner, has now revealed the three players he believes should be competing most strongly for the award.
“I don’t think there’s any doubt about this trophy. I think it will go to a Paris Saint-Germain player.
“My top three picks? In no particular order: Kvara, Harry Kane, who had a fantastic season, and I think Kylian Mbappe.”
Furthermore, the French international ruled himself out of the contention, stating,
“Me? No way! I never put myself in those situations. I never vote for myself. If I had to vote, I wouldn’t,” Dembele said, as per Mundo Deportivo.
Dembele backs PSG teammate Kvaratskhelia
Dembele’s selection of Kvaratskhelia is particularly notable given what the two players achieved together at PSG.
The Georgian winger was part of the Parisian side that secured a second consecutive Champions League title, with Dembele also playing a central role in that successful European campaign.
Kane, meanwhile, earns Dembele’s recognition after what the Frenchman described as a “fantastic season”.
Mbappe completes the trio, although his case is based primarily on his extraordinary numbers.
The French forward scored 42 goals and registered seven assists in 44 matches last season.
Those figures give him a powerful argument even without the Champions League medal that would have strengthened his candidacy further.
Mbappe refuses to give up on Ballon d’Or dream
Meanwhile, Mbappe himself remains convinced that he can win the trophy.
The Real Madrid forward acknowledged the importance of PSG’s Champions League triumph but rejected the idea that failing to win Europe’s biggest club competition has significantly damaged his chances.
“I would vote for myself to win the Ballon d’Or,” he said.
Asked whether PSG’s Champions League success had created greater distance between him and the award, Mbappe was equally confident.
“No. I’m convinced that I can win it this year, so I haven’t taken any distance from it,” he concluded.
Real Madrid youngster Endrick continues to attract interest from several clubs ahead of another potential loan move in the upcoming January transfer window.
The latest side considering a move for the Brazilian forward is Aston Villa.
Indeed, according to reports relayed by Bernabeu Digital, the Premier League club are interested in signing the Real Madrid striker on loan in January.
No minutes for Endrick
Endrick has had very limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season. Across Real Madrid’s nine matches in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, the Brazilian has played just four minutes, coming on in the 86th minute against Elche.
Such limited playing time has left the young forward struggling to gain the minutes and experience needed to develop his talent at Real Madrid.
As such, another loan move, like last January when he left for Olympique Lyon, could offer him a chance to play more regularly and continue his progression.
Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have now emerged as an interested party to acquire the Brazilian international’s services on loan for the second half of the season.
AC Milan also interested in Endrick
Howver, Aston Villa are not the only club monitoring Endrick’s situation. AC Milan have also renewed their interest in the Brazilian forward.
The Rossoneri already held an interest in the 20-year-old forward during the summer transfer window and are knocking on the doors once again now.
In fact, some reports in Italy even go on to suggest that the youngster is ready to pounce on the opportunity to sign for the Serie A giants.
For now, however, there have been no concrete developments or formal approaches from any interested club.
Real Madrid are understood to be open to allowing Endrick to leave on loan, but they are not considering a permanent sale as they still have a lot of faith in the promising attacker whom they signed from Palmeiras.
With Aston Villa and AC Milan both interested, the coming months could prove important in determining where the young Brazilian will continue his development.
