Ballon d’Or 2025: Joe Cole names player to win award ahead of Dembele

Former Chelsea star Joe Cole has backed Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha to win this year’s Ballon d’Or ahead of his teammate Ousmane Dembele.

According to Cole, Vitinha ran the show during the Champions League final between PSG and Inter Milan last season.

The former England midfielder said, as quoted by TNT Sports: “I think Dembele’s got to be a shout, hasn’t he? How he led the line for PSG.

“Vitinha, the midfield boy, I don’t think it needs to constantly go to the goal-scorers as well.

“Vitinha ran the show in the [Champions League] final from midfield.

“I have got a soft spot for Vitinha; I think he could be the Ballon d’Or [winner].”

Vitinha and Dembele are expected to be among the top contenders for the 2025 Ballon d’Or following their impressive performances for club and country in the last one year.

Ballon d’Or 2025: Joe Cole names player to win award ahead of Dembele