PARIS – In one of the most remarkable career resurgences in modern football, Ousmane Dembélé has been awarded the 2025 Ballon d’Or, capping a season of sublime, consistent, and decisive performances that led Paris Saint-Germain to European glory.
The 27-year-old French winger received the prestigious award at a glittering ceremony in Paris, beating out stiff competition from the likes of Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, and a young superstar from Real Madrid to claim football’s ultimate individual honour.
The Journey to the Pinnacle
Dembélé’s win is a testament to perseverance. Once labelled an unfulfilled talent due to persistent injury troubles during his time at Barcelona, his move to PSG in 2023 marked a turning point. Under the guidance of his coach and with a refined physical preparation regime, Dembélé transformed from a mercurial talent into a relentless and reliable world-beater.
The 2024/2025 season was his masterpiece. Dembélé was the undisputed catalyst for PSG’s historic treble-winning campaign:
- UEFA Champions League Winner: Dembélé was the standout player of the competition. He scored a breathtaking solo goal in the semi-final and provided two assists in a dominant 3-1 victory over Manchester City in the final.
- Ligue 1 Champion: He finished as the league’s top assist provider and chipped in with crucial goals throughout the season.
- Coupe de France Winner: Scored the winning goal in the final.
Upon receiving the award, an emotional Dembélé said: “This is a dream I never gave up on, even in the most difficult moments. I have to thank my family, my teammates, the PSG staff, and the fans who always believed in me. This is not just for me; this is for everyone who helped me on this journey. It shows that with hard work and belief, anything is possible.”
