PSG’s sporting director says it will be a crime if Dembéle doesn’t win the Ballon d’Or
Luis Campos, PSG's sporting director, told RMC that the Frenchman deserves to be honored on September 22. He also spoke about Donnarumma.
In a candid interview with RMC Sport’s Rothen s’enflamme, Paris Saint-Germain’s sporting director Luis Campos reflected on the club’s historic Champions League triumph last season and weighed in on one of soccer’s hottest debates: who deserves the Ballon d’Or.
For Campos, there’s no question—Ousmane Dembélé should take home the coveted trophy on September 22.
“PSG has nine Ballon d’Or nominees. We’re thrilled,” Campos said. “Other players deserve recognition too—like Barcola and Pacho. But Dembélé was named the best player in the Champions League, the best in his league, he’s won everything. If his name were Messi or Ronaldo, there wouldn’t even be a debate.”
Dembélé’s case for the Ballon d’Or
Campos, recently extended through 2029, didn’t mince words when addressing the voting process. He suggested that journalists who overlook Dembélé lack the credibility to cast a vote.
“If he doesn’t win, it’s because the voters aren’t qualified to choose the Ballon d’Or winner,” he said. “I’m talking about last season—not projecting into the future with players like Lamine Yamal. Based on stats and impact across all competitions, Dembélé was the standout. Hakimi and Vitinha had phenomenal seasons too, but the best player in both the Champions League and Ligue 1 was Dembélé.”
Donnarumma’s exit and PSG’s new philosophy
Campos also addressed the late-window transfer of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to Manchester City, framing it as a reflection of PSG’s evolving identity.
“When Donnarumma asked for a salary based on the old PSG, not the current one… we had to stick to our merit-based policy. You earn more when you deserve it,” Campos explained. “We took our time discussing Gigio’s situation, but had to find solutions when no agreement was reached.”
He emphasized that PSG’s focus has shifted from star power to team cohesion:
“Why did we sign a center back instead of another right back? Because our style is more direct now. We need height, ball control, and tactical flexibility. The star now is the club.”
Luis Enrique: Campos’ best decision yet
Campos also praised head coach Luis Enrique, calling his hiring the best move he’s made in Paris. He recalled their first meeting in Barcelona:
“Within minutes, I knew he was the one. He felt the chemistry too. I told the president right after, and one or two days later, it was done.”
Campos revealed that Enrique was the first to tell Neymar face-to-face that it was time to move on, underscoring the coach’s commitment to team-first values.
“Luis Enrique’s philosophy is all about the collective. That’s why he didn’t hesitate to tell Neymar, ‘It’s best if you leave.’”
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.