- Mbappe backed Dembele for the 2025 Ballon d’Or
- Got 35 goals and 16 assists in PSG’s historic season
- Ceremony takes place on September 22 in Paris
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Getty/GOAL'I hope he wins it' - Kylian Mbappe aims cheeky dig at Lamine Yamal as Real Madrid star backs ex-PSG team-mate Ousmane Dembele to beat Barcelona teen to Ballon d'Or
Ultimate Sports Bundle
Fubo
✅ Carries ESPN Deportes, which broadcasts over 200 select LaLiga matches per season with traditional linear presentation and studio coverage.
✅ Includes local ABC stations and main ESPN channels for the high-profile marquee matches that are simulcast over traditional television.
✅ Allows you to record matches with unlimited Cloud DVR storage and stream up to four channels simultaneously on compatible TV devices.
Monthly from$32.99
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DirecTV
✅ Carries local ABC stations and the main ESPN linear networks for marquee, nationally televised LaLiga fixtures without requiring an antenna.
✅ Offers ESPN Deportes either via the dedicated Spanish-first tiers (such as Óptimo Más) or as an add-on, giving you live TV commentary and dedicated studio coverage.
✅ Includes unlimited Cloud DVR storage and allows simultaneous streaming on unlimited compatible devices connected to your home network.
Monthly from$74.99
Total Coverage
ESPN+
✅ Streams all 380 LaLiga fixtures throughout the season in both English and Spanish, including every El Clásico fixture.
✅ Provides full match replays, extended highlights, and Spanish football studio shows (such as LaLiga Confidential and ESPN FC) accessible whenever you want.
✅ Bundles Spanish top-flight football alongside extensive European and domestic action, including the German Bundesliga, Copa del Rey, and FA Cup.
Monthly from$11.99
Ultimate Sports Bundle
Fubo
✅ Carries ESPN Deportes, which broadcasts over 200 select LaLiga matches per season with traditional linear presentation and studio coverage.
✅ Includes local ABC stations and main ESPN channels for the high-profile marquee matches that are simulcast over traditional television.
✅ Allows you to record matches with unlimited Cloud DVR storage and stream up to four channels simultaneously on compatible TV devices.
Monthly from$32.99
Cable Replacement
DirecTV
✅ Carries local ABC stations and the main ESPN linear networks for marquee, nationally televised LaLiga fixtures without requiring an antenna.
✅ Offers ESPN Deportes either via the dedicated Spanish-first tiers (such as Óptimo Más) or as an add-on, giving you live TV commentary and dedicated studio coverage.
✅ Includes unlimited Cloud DVR storage and allows simultaneous streaming on unlimited compatible devices connected to your home network.
Monthly from$74.99
Total Coverage
ESPN+
✅ Streams all 380 LaLiga fixtures throughout the season in both English and Spanish, including every El Clásico fixture.
✅ Provides full match replays, extended highlights, and Spanish football studio shows (such as LaLiga Confidential and ESPN FC) accessible whenever you want.
✅ Bundles Spanish top-flight football alongside extensive European and domestic action, including the German Bundesliga, Copa del Rey, and FA Cup.
Monthly from$11.99
Ultimate Sports Bundle
Fubo
✅ Carries ESPN Deportes, which broadcasts over 200 select LaLiga matches per season with traditional linear presentation and studio coverage.
✅ Includes local ABC stations and main ESPN channels for the high-profile marquee matches that are simulcast over traditional television.
✅ Allows you to record matches with unlimited Cloud DVR storage and stream up to four channels simultaneously on compatible TV devices.
Monthly from$32.99
AFPTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Mbappe's high-profile backing adds significant weight to Dembele's candidacy ahead of the award ceremony on September 22. The PSG star is considered a frontrunner after a phenomenal 2024-25 season in which he led his club to a first ever Champions League success as well as the Ligue 1 and Coupe de France titles. His main competition is widely seen to be Barcelona's Yamal, making Mbappe's comments a clear statement of support for his compatriot in a tight race.
Dembele registered 35 goals and 16 assists in all competitions for PSG last season. He is one of nine players from the Champions League-winning side to be included in the 30-man shortlist for the Ballon d'Or.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR MBAPPE & DEMBELE?
All eyes will be on the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris for the Ballon d'Or ceremony on September 22. In the immediate future, Mbappe is preparing for France's World Cup qualifier against Iceland on Tuesday. Dembele, however, will play no part after sustaining a hamstring injury in the win over Ukraine on Friday. The injury could reportedly sideline the PSG star for several weeks, meaning his focus will be on recovery rather than international duty.
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