<2023 Ballon d'Or Ceremony Countdown: Could TY become the first player to win the FIFA Ballon d'Or while playing for an Asian club?>
<World Cup third place + a sextuple-winning season + AFC Asian Cup champion: Is this year's Ballon d'Or a foregone conclusion?>
<Dembélé said in an interview that he lacked a certain degree of competitiveness compared to TY, despite TY no longer playing in a top-tier league.>
"This year's Ballon d'Or is judged from last year's World Cup onward. Although I won the World Cup, I don't think that's enough. If I had to say it, I think this year's Ballon d'Or should go to Tom. I'll fight for the 2024 Ballon d'Or."
After a Champions League match, Dembélé shared his thoughts on this year's Ballon d'Or with reporters. "Tom and I have an agreement. I'll win a Ballon d'Or while he isn't in one of Europe's top five leagues. I'm working toward that now, and I think I'll fulfill our agreement in either 2024 or 2025."
From what Dembélé said in the interview, the French forward did not seem particularly optimistic about his chances of winning this year's Ballon d'Or.
"Manchester United are currently second in Champions League Group C, and you have even suffered three straight league draws at the start of the season, something that has not happened in years. Do you think TY's departure triggered this string of setbacks for Manchester United?"
"..."
Dembélé was rather helpless in the face of the reporter's question. But reporters were like that—they loved asking questions related to Tang Ye.
"I think it has a lot to do with it."
Though reluctant, Dembélé answered honestly. "Tom has always been our most important player. His departure may make it difficult for us to adapt in a short period of