Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni says a French player should win this year's Ballon d'Or. He singled out Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise as candidates.
In an interview with France 24, Tchouameni said Mbappe had enjoyed an outstanding season and deserved the award. He also praised Dembele's performances for Paris Saint-Germain and named Michael Olise. The midfielder said several players merited the prize and did not choose a single favorite.
The nominees for the 2026 Ballon d'Or were announced on Sept. 8. The award considers performances from Aug. 1, 2025, through July 31, 2026. Tchouameni said he believed the prize should go to a French player this year. France 24 reported his remarks.
The Ballon d'Or is awarded annually to the season's top footballer following a vote by journalists. Tchouameni named three compatriots among the contenders, but the source report did not say whether they are all on the official nominee list.