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Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembélé has been named the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner, marking the biggest achievement of his football career. For years, he was seen as a talented player held back by injuries. But this season, he proved his critics wrong and showed the world what he is truly capable of.
Dembélé’s award comes after he played a central role in PSG’s most successful season in history. The French forward helped the club win their first UEFA Champions League trophy, alongside the Ligue 1 title, French Cup, and UEFA Super Cup. His performance was not only about big moments but also about consistency. Over the season, he scored 37 goals and provided 15 assists, making him PSG’s most decisive player.
The race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or was a close one. Dembélé edged out Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s 18-year-old wunderkind, who finished in second place. PSG teammate Vitinha claimed third. By winning, Dembélé became the first Frenchman to take home the award since Karim Benzema in 2022. His victory shows that experience and maturity can sometimes outweigh raw talent and youthful energy.
Dembélé’s journey to the Ballon d’Or has not been easy. Since his early years, he has been seen as one of football’s brightest prospects. However, frequent injuries and inconsistent form often led to questions about whether he could ever reach his full potential. Many fans and critics even labelled him a “what if” player.
That all changed under PSG coach Luis Enrique. Enrique trusted Dembélé to be the team’s creative leader, and the forward responded with his best season yet. Week after week, he delivered goals, assists, and match-winning performances. More importantly, he showed resilience and determination, proving he could handle the pressure of the biggest stage.
When Ousmane Dembélé received the Ballon d’Or, he was overcome with emotion. Fighting back tears, he dedicated the trophy to his family, teammates, and the PSG supporters.
“This award is for everyone who believed in me, even when times were tough,” he said in his acceptance speech. “It belongs to my family, my teammates, and the fans who never gave up on me.”
Dembélé’s success is not just about his personal glory. It also reflects PSG’s evolution. The French club, once criticised for focusing only on big-name signings, has now proved it can achieve historic success on the field. Dembélé’s Ballon d’Or shows that PSG is no longer just a team of stars — it is a team that makes history.
For Dembélé, the award is the highlight of a career that has gone from promise to fulfilment. His name is now written in football history, alongside legends who lifted the Ballon d’Or before him. From setbacks to triumph, Ousmane Dembélé’s journey is one of resilience, maturity, and ultimate success.
