Ousmane Dembélé’s performance has manager Luis Enrique predicting him as the leading candidate for the Ballon d’Or. The French winger starred on his first start of the tournament, scoring one and playing a central role as PSG overwhelmed the Spanish giants at MetLife Stadium in New York.

Dembélé’s strike came between two early goals from Fabián Ruiz, with Gonçalo Ramos adding a late fourth to cap a dominant display. The win not only secured PSG’s place in Sunday’s final against Chelsea but also continued their remarkable run of form, having already clinched the Champions League and three domestic trophies this season.

Luis Enrique, visibly delighted after the match, described the campaign as “extraordinary” and emphasized the club’s determination to make history by adding the Club World Cup to their trophy haul.

Dembélé’s Ballon d’Or Credentials Shine

Luis Enrique was effusive in his praise for Dembélé, declaring him “the best player in the world at this moment, by a long way.” The manager highlighted Dembélé’s blend of goals, assists, and silverware as the perfect recipe for football’s most prestigious individual honor.

“To win it you have to score goals and get assists and then bring silverware to your team. If there is one player who has done all that, it is Ousmane Dembélé. He is far and away above other players in my opinion,” Enrique said after the match.

Dembélé’s form has been nothing short of sensational this season. His goal against Real Madrid marked his 35th of the campaign, a personal best, and he has been instrumental in PSG’s relentless attack, which has now produced six consecutive clean-sheet victories in major competitions.

His ability to influence the biggest matches, combined with PSG’s collective success, has positioned him as a clear Ballon d’Or favorite in the eyes of many observers.

A Defining Moment for PSG and European Football

For PSG, this run represents not just dominance but the realization of a long-term vision. Luis Enrique’s tactical acumen and the squad’s depth have allowed the French champions to outclass Europe’s elite, including a Real Madrid side still adjusting to life under new manager Xabi Alonso.

The match also marked the end of Luka Modrić’s illustrious Real Madrid career, with the Croatian legend set to join AC Milan after 13 years and 28 trophies in Spain.

As PSG prepare for Sunday’s final against Chelsea, the club stands on the verge of a historic achievement, with Dembélé’s brilliance and Enrique’s leadership at the heart of their quest for global supremacy.

The French champions’ performance in New York has not only set the stage for a potential fifth trophy but has also ignited the conversation around Dembélé’s place among football’s elite.