Paris Saint-Germain captain and Brazilian defender Marquinhos has thrown his full support behind his teammates ahead of the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony, insisting that as many as nine PSG stars are worthy of the award.

Marquinhos admitted that the abundance of nominees from the Paris club makes the choice “very complicated,” but he singled out Ousmane Dembele as a deserving candidate if he eventually takes home the prestigious prize.

“I have nine PSG players named, which makes the choice very complicated,” Marquinhos told Le Parisien. “If Ousmane wins the Ballon d’Or, it will be widely deserved.”

Dembele has enjoyed one of the finest seasons of his career, emerging as a talisman for both PSG and France.

He is among a glittering shortlist that also includes Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Kylian Mbappe, Mohamed Salah and Vitinha. The winner will be revealed in Paris on Monday, September 22.

PSG’s dominance in the nominations underlines the club’s remarkable year, where several of its stars stood out on both domestic and international stages.

Note that Last year’s Ballon d’Or went to Manchester City midfielder Rodri, who edged Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham.

With the spotlight now on Paris, many eyes will be on whether Dembele or another PSG standout can succeed Rodri as football’s most celebrated individual.

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