Current Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele has spoken about his determination to hold on to football's biggest individual honour. The Paris Saint-Germain forward explained how claiming the award changed his life, while also insisting that the trophy will stay at the Parc des Princes.

Dembele has addressed his ambitions for the 2026 Ballon d'Or after the 30-man shortlist was announced. A week after the nominees were unveiled, the reigning winner shared his thoughts in an interview with France Football as the race for the prestigious prize gathers pace.

The PSG attacker won the award on 22 September 2025 following an outstanding season in which he produced 33 goals and 15 assists in all competitions. He is now hoping to defend his title at the ceremony in London on 26 October.

Looking back at his landmark triumph last year, the France international admitted that lifting the trophy completely changed his everyday life. Dembele said that being recognised everywhere he goes has given him a fresh understanding of his place in world football.

"I've entered an ultra-exclusive family with incredible players," Dembele said. "People recognise you as a Ballon d'Or winner as soon as you're in the street, or go to a restaurant. People talk to you about this trophy. That's what changes."

Even with that increased fame, Dembele stressed that he is working hard to stay grounded. He added: "Whatever happens, I want to remain the same person, not forget where I come from, not forget that all my team-mates obviously helped me to perform so well."

Dembele's remarks come as other nominees, including Kylian Mbappe, also put forward their credentials before the vote. Even so, the PSG star remains certain that the Ballon d'Or will not be leaving the French capital.

"It is going to stay in the hands of a PSG player," Dembele declared. "I'm a competitor, so it's my goal to win it again. But, as I said, I'm not making it an obsession either. We tell ourselves that this year, it's going to be difficult, that the Ballon d'Or is undecided, but we'll see."

With six weeks left before the winner is announced, Dembele is concentrating on sustaining his form for club and country. Keeping hold of the award remains an important target for the forward, even if he does not want it to become an obsession.

The football world will find out whether Dembele can defend his crown when the ceremony is held in London on 26 October. Until then, the debate over who will claim the 2026 Ballon d'Or is only expected to grow stronger.