Paris St-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele has made history by winning his first Ballon d'Or at the prestigious Paris ceremony. This accolade comes as a significant recognition of his remarkable performance during the season, where he played a pivotal role in leading PSG to secure a treble, including the Champions League, league title, and the French Cup.
At 28 years old, Dembele showcased exceptional talent, netting 35 goals and providing 14 assists across 53 matches for PSG last season. His outstanding efforts not only made him the joint top scorer in Ligue 1 with 21 goals, but he was also honored as 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 off against Chelsea in New Jersey.
Despite currently recovering from an injury that sidelined him from PSG's recent 1-0 defeat against Marseille—a match that was rescheduled due to storm conditions—Dembele attended the Ballon d'Or ceremony and was visibly emotional as he accepted the award. The Frenchman expressed his gratitude, stating, "What I have just experienced is exceptional, I have no words for it." He was particularly moved to have the award presented to him by football legend Ronaldinho.
Dembele's heartfelt speech highlighted his appreciation for PSG, referring to the club as an "incredible family." He thanked club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, staff, and his teammates for their unwavering support throughout his career. "This individual trophy is one the team has won collectively," he emphasized, reflecting on the collective journey that led to this personal achievement.
This award marks a remarkable comeback for Dembele, who had not scored double figures in a league campaign since his teenage years at Rennes. The strategic shift implemented by PSG manager Luis Enrique played a crucial role in reviving Dembele's career. After a tactical adjustment in December, where he transitioned from a wide right position to a centre-forward role, Dembele's performance skyrocketed—he scored an impressive 30 goals from that point onward.
Dembele's career has been closely watched since Barcelona acquired him for an initial fee of £96.8 million in 2017, a figure that could rise to £135.5 million. However, PSG secured him for just £43.5 million in 2023, making it one of the best transfers in recent football history. In addition to his club success, Dembele has also represented France, scoring twice in seven appearances during the 2024-25 season.
With this latest achievement, Dembele becomes the sixth Frenchman to win the Ballon d'Or and only the second in the 21st century, following Karim Benzema's win in 2022. His triumph not only signifies personal success but also underscores the strength of PSG as they were honored as the team of the year at the 2025 Ballon d'Or awards.
