Gianluigi Donnarumma names Dembélé as Ballon d’Or favourite

Gianluigi Donnarumma has named Ousmane Dembélé as his favourite for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, making his choice during a live television interview after Italy’s Nations League match against France. The award ceremony is due to take place in London on 26 April, during the 70th edition of the prize.

The 1-1 draw in France gave Donnarumma an immediate connection to the question. The Manchester City goalkeeper made seven saves and played a major role in Italy’s result against the team he had just faced. He was tested by attempts from Dembélé and Désiré Doué, while he described Adrien Rabiot’s shot in the 70th minute as the hardest to stop.

Donnarumma, 27, did not expand on his preference after naming Dembélé. The Italian has a strong connection with French football after his spell at Paris Saint-Germain, before moving to Manchester City in the 2025-26 season. His transfer history also includes his progression through AC Milan’s youth system, a senior move to Milan and the switch to PSG in 2021-22.

The goalkeeper’s focus now returns to Italy’s Nations League programme. The next fixture listed for the national team is a home match against Turkey on 5 October, while the Ballon d’Or decision will come later in the season.