Paris St-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele has accomplished a remarkable feat by winning the Ballon d’Or, the prestigious award for the best player in the world, for the first time in his career. This accolade marks a significant milestone not only for Dembele but also for his club and the French football community.
At 28 years old, the talented France forward exhibited an outstanding performance during the last season, contributing significantly to PSG’s triumphs. He scored an impressive 35 goals and provided 14 assists in 53 matches, showcasing his prowess on the field and playing a pivotal role in PSG securing the treble. This included winning their very first Champions League title, a momentous achievement for the club that had long sought this elusive trophy.
In Ligue 1, Dembele was the joint top scorer with an impressive tally of 21 goals, which further solidified his status as one of the premier talents in European football. His exceptional performances earned him the titles of both the French top flight and Champions League player of the year. Additionally, he contributed to PSG’s journey to the Club World Cup final, where they faced Chelsea in New Jersey, although the match concluded in a disappointing loss for the French side.
Dembeleβs victory at the Ballon d’Or ceremony was particularly emotional, as he stood on the stage in Paris, visibly moved to tears, despite the fact that his team was in action that very evening. In his heartfelt acceptance speech, he expressed his gratitude for the incredible journey he has had with Paris Saint-Germain. His words resonated with sincerity as he mentioned, “What I’m experiencing is exceptional. It’s been an incredible year with Paris Saint-Germain. I’m a little stressed, it’s not easy.” The forward also shared his deep appreciation for Ronaldinho, who presented him with the award, calling it an exceptional honor.
He took a moment to honor his past with FC Barcelona, describing it as the club of his dreams, where he had the extraordinary opportunity to play alongside legendary players like Lionel Messi. He stated, “I want to thank FC Barcelona, the club of my dreams. I played with Lionel Messi, I want to thank him too, I learned so much from him.” This reflection on his career underscores the growth and development he has undergone as both a player and an individual.
Currently, Dembele finds himself sidelined due to injury, having missed PSG’s recent 1-0 home defeat against Marseilleβa match that was rearranged due to a storm. His current absence highlights the challenges he has faced in maintaining his fitness throughout his career, a reminder of the ups and downs that can accompany a professional athlete’s journey.
The award caps off a sensational career revival for Dembele, who had struggled to find consistent form in previous seasons. Notably, he hadn’t scored double figures in a league campaign since his teenage years at Rennes, but under the guidance of PSG manager Luis Enrique, who was also awarded coach of the year, Dembele’s fortunes have transformed. This turnaround can be traced back to a tactical switch made in mid-December, where Dembele was repositioned from a wide right role to a centre-forward position against Lyon. Prior to this change, he had only netted five goals, but following the adjustment, he exploded onto the scene, contributing an impressive 30 goals from that moment onward.
Dembeleβs triumph at the Ballon d’Or not only reflects his individual brilliance but also serves as a testament to the belief PSG had in him when they acquired him for just Β£43.5 million in 2023, a significant bargain considering the initial fee Barcelona paid to sign him from Borussia Dortmund in 2017, which was Β£96.8 million, potentially rising to Β£135.5 million with add-ons.
In the international arena, Dembele also made contributions to the French national team, scoring twice in seven caps during the 2024-25 season. His win makes him the sixth Frenchman to hold the Ballon d’Or title and only the second in the 21st century, following Karim Benzemaβs victory in 2022.
Lamine Yamal, the 18-year-old Barcelona talent, finished in second place and also won the Kopa Trophy for the best young player, marking a bright future for the young star. The podium was rounded out by PSG and Portugal midfielder Vitinha in third place and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah in fourth. Other notable players include Raphinha in fifth, Hakimi in sixth, while MbappΓ© finished seventh, Chelseaβs Cole Palmer in eighth, Donnarumma in ninth, and Nuno Mendes in tenth.
Last yearβs winner, Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri, found himself absent from the shortlist this time around, due in part to an injury-hit season that hampered his contributions. In summary, Dembeleβs Ballon d’Or win is not only a celebration of individual talent but also a tribute to the hard work, support, and resilience that define his journey in the world of football.
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