To begin, you currently oversee the most prestigious individual award in football. How has your experience with the Ballon d’Or evolved in recent years?
This is my third time organizing the award. In 2023, Lionel Messi won it. In 2024, it went to Rodrigo Hernández “Rodri.” And in 2025, the surprise winner was Ousmane Dembélé.
How is the winner selected?
It starts with a committee of 12 journalists from France Football and L’Équipe, along with Luís Figo and Fabio Capello. Each member submits a list of 30 nominees, which is then compiled into a final shortlist of 30. After that, 100 journalists, representing the top 100 footballing nations based on FIFA rankings — each vote for their top 10 players. The total votes determine the winner.
What are the main selection criteria?
There are three: individual performance, team achievements, and sportsmanship. The last one has always carried great weight, for example, Zinedine Zidane lost the 2006 Ballon d’Or after the infamous headbutt in the World Cup final.
Are there plans to change the criteria or voting system?
No, there’s no plan to. We previously partnered with FIFA for five years, during which national team coaches and captains voted. But we found that journalists tend to be more neutral and objective.
- You must face enormous pressure each year.
Indeed, the pressure is constant, from fans, clubs, and even teams without nominees. But it’s part of the job, and we’ve learned to manage it until the winner is announced.
How did players react to the latest result?
Very positively. For example, Lamine Yamal accepted his loss with a smile and congratulated Dembélé. That’s exactly the kind of sportsmanship we want to see.
You removed the “career achievement” criterion after 2021. Why?
That rule limited the award to Messi and Ronaldo for years. We felt it was time to shift focus to current performance, opening the door for new stars and making the award more exciting, fair, and motivating for players.
What’s the most thrilling moment of the ceremony?
The announcement itself. Keeping the winner’s name secret until the last second is difficult. I still remember Dembélé’s stunned reaction when he heard his name called.
Why do you believe Dembélé deserved the award this year?
Because he made the difference. His 2024–25 season with PSG was phenomenal: 33 goals, 15 assists in 49 matches, leading the team to a continental treble. He was named Player of the Season in both Ligue 1 and the Champions League, and he won the Golden Boot. His comeback after years of injuries made it even more emotional and inspiring.
How did the Women’s Ballon d’Or come about?
It began in 2018 to honor the best female footballer in the world. Initially, players from Lyon and Seattle Reign dominated, but Barcelona’s women’s team later took over.
Who are the most prominent female winners?
Alexia Putellas won in 2021 and 2022. Aitana Bonmatí won three consecutive titles from 2023 to 2025 — all well-deserved, and they helped elevate the global profile of women’s football.
How is the Best Young Player selected?
It’s decided by 27 former Ballon d’Or winners. This year, 24 participated — some, like Platini and Cristiano Ronaldo, declined to vote.
How do you evaluate Mohamed Salah’s placement this year?
Salah ranked fourth — his highest finish ever. He had a fantastic season until February. I personally voted for him in the top ten. But Liverpool’s Champions League exit against PSG hurt his chances. Still, his Premier League title and exemplary sportsmanship were outstanding. If he had won the Champions League, he would have won the Ballon d’Or.
Which Arab players are closest to winning the Ballon d’Or now?
Salah is still the closest, followed by Achraf Hakimi. But Hakimi’s defensive position makes it harder for him than for Salah.
PSG forward Ousmane Dembele receives the Ballon d’Or from former Brazil star Ronaldinho (left) at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris. AFP
How do you view Salah’s impact on Egyptian football?
He’s Egypt’s best football ambassador, ever. He put Egyptian football on the global map, which didn’t exist before him.
Were there any surprises in the top 10 rankings?
Yes. Chelsea’s Cole Palmer finished eighth, which I didn’t expect. But he won the Club World Cup and scored twice in the final. I also believe Hakimi should’ve been third instead of sixth — he’s currently the best right-back in the world.
How did fans react to Dembélé’s win?
The reaction was amazing. His win brought back excitement and unpredictability, unlike the Messi-Ronaldo era when the results felt inevitable.
Does the absence of Messi and Ronaldo signal the end of their era?
Not necessarily. If Argentina or Portugal win the 2026 World Cup, either Messi or Ronaldo could return to the Ballon d’Or race, which would be a beautiful story.
How do you compare European football to other regions?
Europe still leads, as seen in the Club World Cup final between PSG and Chelsea. But clubs like Al-Hilal, Palmeiras, Flamengo, and Fluminense are catching up. The main issue with the Club World Cup is its timing and climate, not the concept itself.
How do you view African football today?
It’s progressing. Morocco, Senegal, and Egypt have strong national teams. Egypt dominates regionally but still needs to shine globally. At club level, teams like Al Ahly, Zamalek, and Pyramids are doing well. I hope Egypt achieves more than just participation.
How have Gulf investments impacted European football?
Massively. Clubs like PSG and Manchester City were already big, but Emirati and Qatari investments made them stronger and more competitive, reshaping European football.
What do you think of Saudi Arabia’s sports strategy?
It has two main goals: attract global superstars and bring in young talent from Europe and beyond. It’s an effective way to boost Saudi football before hosting the 2034 World Cup.
What impact does the Saudi league have with its star signings?
It started with big names like Ronaldo and Benzema, then younger players followed. It could affect European leagues in the long run, but for now, it's accelerating football development in Saudi Arabia and changing the global balance.
What are the biggest issues in French football?
The financial gap. PSG dominates, while most other clubs struggle and are forced to sell their best players just to survive.
Is PSG’s dominance good for Ligue 1?
Not really. It weakens competition and makes the league less appealing internationally.
How does the funding gap hurt French clubs?
They can’t afford top players, which limits their competitiveness and global marketability. Sadly, I don’t see major change on the horizon.
Any advice for Egyptian players in France?
Yes. Mostafa Mohamed should leave Nantes, the team is underperforming. Same for Mohamed Abdelmonem at Nice. Players at struggling clubs face both financial and developmental setbacks.
What must Salah do to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or?
He needs to win the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt, and either the Premier League or Champions League with Liverpool. A strong World Cup run — or even winning it — would almost guarantee him the award.
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah. AFP
Was Omar Marmoush mentioned in the latest Ballon d’Or race?
Yes, Marmoush, now at Manchester City, was mentioned on some shortlists, but didn’t make the final 30. Still, he’s young and has great potential.
How does France continue to produce talent despite financial issues?
Through a strong network of grassroots clubs and academies, with state support and structured youth development programs.
How do you assess France’s national team heading into the next World Cup?
France is strong in every position, with an experienced coach in Didier Deschamps. They’re among the top contenders - alongside Spain
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