French forward Ousmane Dembélé has been crowned the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner, capping off a sensational season with Paris Saint-Germain. The 28-year-old beat out top contenders including Barcelona’s teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal and club teammate Vitinha to claim football’s most prestigious individual honor.
Dembélé’s campaign was nothing short of extraordinary. He scored 37 goals and provided 15 assists across all competitions, playing a pivotal role in PSG’s historic treble—winning Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and their first-ever UEFA Champions League title2. His transformation from winger to striker under coach Luis Enrique proved decisive, with standout performances in key matches, including the Champions League semifinal against Arsenal and the final against Inter Milan.
In his emotional acceptance speech at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, Dembélé expressed deep gratitude: “So much joy, pride, and emotion. A dream come true. Thank you to everyone who has always supported me throughout this journey”. The win marks a personal triumph after years of injury setbacks and criticism, solidifying his place among football’s elite.
This victory also signals a new era for PSG, whose domestic dominance has now translated into global recognition. Dembélé becomes the second Frenchman in four years to win the Ballon d’Or, joining a legacy that includes legends like Zinedine Zidane and Karim Benzema.
