French winger Ousmane Dembele has etched his name into football history, securing the 2025 Ballon d’Or after a glittering campaign with Paris Saint-Germain.
The 28-year-old was unveiled as the winner on Monday night at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, in front of football royalty gathered for the sport’s most prestigious ceremony. Dembele edged out Barcelona’s teenage prodigy, Lamine Yamal, to succeed Manchester City’s Rodri, last year’s holder of the golden ball.
The triumph caps an extraordinary season for Dembele and PSG. Once viewed as a player whose potential was marred by inconsistency and injuries, the Frenchman delivered the season of his life—netting 35 goals across competitions. His efforts propelled PSG to a domestic double and, most memorably, to their first-ever UEFA Champions League crown.
Visibly moved, Dembele struggled to hold back tears as he dedicated the award to his teammates and coach. “I really don’t have the words. It was an incredible season with PSG,” he said, describing Luis Enrique as “like a father” figure in his resurgence. He emphasized that though the Ballon d’Or bears his name, it was the collective spirit of the team that made it possible.
The recognition also adds another layer to Dembele’s already illustrious career, which began with his emergence at Rennes and Borussia Dortmund before his high-profile move to Barcelona. A World Cup winner with France in 2018, Dembele now joins the pantheon of Ballon d’Or greats.
Meanwhile, Yamal, 18, did not leave empty-handed. The Barcelona forward was awarded the Kopa Trophy for the best under-21 player in world football—for the second consecutive year—underscoring his status as the game’s brightest rising star.
For PSG, Dembele’s victory was symbolic. Of the nine players nominated from their treble-winning squad, it was the man often doubted who shone brightest, finally transforming potential into immortality.
Source: Vanguard
