Who are the players who deserve Ballon d'Or '20 times more' than PSG star Dembele?

The world of football has always thrived on passionate debate, but a recent assertion attributed to Spain legend Iker Casillas has ignited a particularly fiery discussion: the claim that certain players deserve the coveted Ballon d'Or "20 times more" than Ousmane Dembele. This surprising declaration, coming from a figure synonymous with elite performance and silverware, casts a stark light on the often-disputed criteria for football's most prestigious individual award, especially when juxtaposed against the enigmatic career of the Parisian winger. Dembele, undoubtedly blessed with electrifying pace, dazzling dribbling, and a two-footed unpredictability that few can match, has frequently been touted as a generational talent. Yet, his journey has been marred by persistent injuries and an inconsistency that has prevented him from truly dominating at the very highest level, leaving many to ponder if his immense potential will ever translate into sustained Ballon d'Or-worthy output.

Casillas's pointed sentiment, though not directly naming Dembele, serves as a powerful indictment of the prevailing narrative around players whose raw talent often overshadows their tangible contributions over a season. The Ballon d'Or is not merely an accolade for skill; it's a recognition of consistent excellence, match-winning moments, and, crucially, significant team triumphs. While Dembele has enjoyed flashes of brilliance at Barcelona and more recently at Paris Saint-Germain, his career has lacked the relentless, season-long impact that defines true contenders. Contrast this with the archetypal Ballon d'Or recipients: players who consistently deliver decisive goals, orchestrate midfield masterclasses, or form an impenetrable defensive backbone for championship-winning sides. The "20 times more" claim underscores a profound gap between Dembele's undeniable flashes of genius and the sustained, high-level performance demanded of football's elite.