Paris – The world of football is buzzing with the news that France Football magazine has awarded Ousmane Dembele his first Ballon d’Or, in recognition of his outstanding performances for Paris Saint-Germain during the 2024–25 season. However, as first reported by World Talk Soccer, this prestigious honor could come with a heavy price for France, and an unexpected psychological boost for their rivals, Spain, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Heavy Weight of History
Dembele’s victory means that France will head into the next World Cup with the reigning Ballon d’Or winner in their squad, a status that history suggests carries a heavy burden. Since the award’s inception in 1956, no player who held the Ballon d’Or at the time of the World Cup has ever gone on to win the tournament with their national team. The French, a star-studded team featuring the likes of Dembele and Kylian Mbappe, are undoubtedly among the favorites, but they must now contend with one of football’s most intriguing historical jinxes.
A History of Heartbreak
The so-called “Ballon d’Or curse” has haunted some of the game’s greatest legends, many of whom came agonizingly close to World Cup glory. As World Talk Soccer highlighted, six reigning winners have reached the final only to be defeated. In 1970, Italy’s Gianni Rivera lost the final to Brazil. Four years later, Johan Cruyff’s Netherlands team fell to West Germany. The curse struck again in 1982 when Karl-Heinz Rummenigge’s Germany lost to Italy, and in 1994 when Italy, with Roberto Baggio in their squad, was beaten by Brazil in a penalty shootout. The pattern held in 1998 as Ronaldo Nazario’s Brazil was defeated by France in the final.
A Psychological Edge for Spain?
While France will be shouldering this historical burden, their rivals, Spain, may feel a sense of relief. The reigning European champions, who recently overtook Argentina for the No. 1 spot in the FIFA rankings, have earned their status as contenders. According to World Talk Soccer, the fact that their young star, Lamine Yamal, was the runner-up to Dembele might actually serve as a psychological boost, as their team will not be tied to the curse.
The 2022 Anomaly
The curse even held true at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, albeit under unique circumstances. The tournament’s shift to a winter schedule meant that Lionel Messi, who won the 2021 Ballon d’Or, was no longer the reigning winner. The award had been won by Karim Benzema, who was on France’s roster but did not play due to injury. In a fateful twist, France, the team with the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, lost the final on penalties to Argentina, once again confirming the historical tradition. France will now be hoping to change this narrative in 2026 as they vie for football’s ultimate prize.
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