Sophia
Paris Saint-Germain’s highly anticipated clash against Olympique Marseille has been dramatically rescheduled, creating a significant headache for several of the club’s brightest stars. The postponement due to severe rain storms means the crucial Ligue 1 fixture now directly conflicts with the prestigious Ballon d’Or ceremony, forcing PSG into a difficult decision regarding player attendance.
Stormy Weather, Stormier Schedules
Originally slated for Sunday, September 21, at 2:45 p.m. ET, torrential downpours across France compelled the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) to reschedule the fixture. The new kick-off time is set for Monday, September 22, at 8 p.m. ET, directly clashing with the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris.
While key figures like Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué were initially absent from the Sunday matchday squad, the new schedule presents a logistical nightmare for the club. PSG must now decide which of their nominated players and staff will attend one of football’s most glamorous nights and who will travel to the Bouches-du-Rhône region for a critical league match.
Dembélé’s Golden Opportunity
Ousmane Dembélé stands as one of the firm favorites to clinch the coveted 2025 men’s Ballon d’Or award. His electrifying performances were instrumental in a historic season for PSG under manager Luis Enrique.
Last season, the Parisian giants achieved an unprecedented quadrupel, securing their first-ever UEFA Champions League title by defeating Inter Milan in the final. They also lifted their 13th Ligue 1 title, the Coupe de France, and the UEFA Super Cup. Dembélé’s contributions were central to this remarkable success, making him a strong contender for football’s ultimate individual accolade.
A Host of PSG Nominees
Beyond Dembélé, PSG boasts a strong contingent of nominees across various categories. Young sensation Désiré Doué is a leading candidate for the Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best player under the age of 21, highlighting the club’s burgeoning talent pipeline.
Manager Luis Enrique is also nominated for Coach of the Year, an honor he has a strong chance of winning given PSG’s historic season. Other PSG stars shortlisted for various awards include Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, João Neves, Nuno Mendes, and Vitinha, underscoring the team’s collective brilliance.
A Precedent for Absence?
Should Dembélé miss the ceremony, it would mark the second consecutive year that a top favorite for the men’s Ballon d’Or has been absent. Last year, Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior, along with a wider club delegation, notably skipped the event after reports circulated that Manchester City midfielder Rodri was set to win the award.
This raises questions about the perceived transparency and potential spoilers surrounding the awards, adding another layer of intrigue to this year’s ceremony. The Ballon d’Or remains one of football’s most coveted individual honors, and its ceremony is a global spectacle.
The Club’s Conundrum
The decision facing PSG is unenviable: prioritize a crucial league fixture or allow their nominated stars to attend a career-defining event. The outcome will undoubtedly be a talking point, regardless of who walks away with the golden ball.
