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Football Insider

Alvaro Benito's Reaction to Ousmane Dembele's Ballon d'Or Win

Former Real Madrid footballer Alvaro Benito shares his mixed thoughts on Ousmane Dembele winning the 2025 Ballon d'Or ahead of Lamine Yamal.

Alvaro Benito's Reaction to Ousmane Dembele's Ballon d'Or Win

Former Real Madrid footballer Alvaro Benito provided his thoughts on the 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony, which saw Ousmane Dembele being crowned as the best player in the world, ahead of rival Lamine Yamal. While Benito admitted that the PSG forward deserved the award, he was unhappy about where Pedri finished in the rankings and was brutally critical of the journalists who vote.

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Alvaro Benito's Take on the Ballon d'Or Ceremony

The 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony witnessed Ousmane Dembele clinching the prestigious award, leaving former Real Madrid player Alvaro Benito with conflicting feelings. Benito acknowledged the validity of Dembele's win, acknowledging that the PSG forward's outstanding performances made him a deserving recipient.

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Benito's Disappointment with Pedri's Ranking

Despite recognizing Dembele's excellence, Benito expressed disappointment over where Pedri, another talented footballer, ranked in the award standings. As a former player himself, Benito likely viewed Pedri's talent and skills as warranting a higher placement on the Ballon d'Or list.

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Critique of the Voting Process

In a scathing commentary, Benito criticized the journalists responsible for voting on the Ballon d'Or, implying that their choices did not align with his expectations. The discrepancy between their decisions and Benito's sentiments shed light on the subjectivity and nuances involved in selecting the world's best footballer each year.

Published on September 23, 2025