The controversy swells around the support (or rather of the lack of support) of Didier Deschamps in Ousmane Dembélé in the race for the Ballon d'Or. But failing to have the supported reinforcement of his coach, the PSG winger can count on one of his teammates in the France team. Present at a press conference this Wednesday, Ibrahima Konaté did not revolve around the pot. In a momentum of sincerity and camaraderie, the defender of Liverpool sent a clear message: for him, there is no debate, Dembélé deserves the Ballon d'Or.
Konaté does what Deschamps did not dare
Without doing in populism, Konaté has swept the Spanish insinuations according to which the League of Nations match between France and Spain would be decisive in the race for the individual trophy. “” It is the Spanish who say it! “, He said in an almost amused tone, before reminding that the performance of a player is measured at the scale of an entire season. “” Ousmane, what he did this season is exceptional. Say that it deserves the Ballon d'Or, period! »»
This unequivocal support clearly contrasts with the chilly declarations of Deschamps in La Gazzetta dello Sportwhere he evoked other candidates like Mbappé or even Lewandowski, avoiding declaring himself frankly on his winger. In this, Konaté was much more classy and united than his coach, refusing to give in to political calculations or embarrassed silences. A posture that strengthens his image of a right and loyal man.
He refuses to reduce the Ballon d'Or in a single match
Admittedly, it is unlikely that these words are enough to influence the voting of jurors. But the gesture is there, significant and admirable. In a golden ball race often marked by discreet lobbying and interested support, this spontaneous speech sounds like an act of sincerity. Especially since it is accompanied by a respectful tribute to Yamal, which adds to the view height of Konaté.
By defending his teammate unconditionally, Konaté recalls that grandeur does not only reside in trophies, but also in the elegance of convictions.
