By Jamiu Babatunde
Paris Saint-Germain Superstar, Ousmane Dembélé In a glittering ceremony in Paris has etched his name into football history by winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or, cementing his status as the world’s best player after an unforgettable season with Paris Saint-Germain and the French national team.
The 28-year-old winger beat stiff competition from Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and his PSG teammate Vitinha, who finished second and third respectively. It marked a landmark year not only for Dembélé but also for French football, with the forward becoming the first PSG player in decades to clinch the prestigious award.
Dembélé’s triumph was underpinned by his breathtaking performances in the UEFA Champions League, where he played a decisive role in guiding PSG to their first-ever triumph in the competition. His dazzling pace, goalscoring instinct, and creative spark proved vital as the Parisians completed a historic treble, also lifting Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France.
The numbers told their own story: 35 goals and 16 assists across 49 appearances in all competitions. His consistency and flair not only carried PSG through their most successful campaign but also made him an indispensable figure for the French national team.
“I’ve worked my whole life for this moment,” Dembélé said, holding the golden trophy aloft. “This award is for my teammates, my coaches, and the fans who never stopped believing in me. Together, we made history.”
Liverpool player, Mohamed Salah came fourth with and Barcelona’s Raphinha fifth. However, the night belonged to Dembélé, whose mix of maturity, leadership, and artistry on the pitch made him stand out in a year full of outstanding performances across Europe.
For PSG, the win signaled not just personal glory for Dembélé but a turning point for the club’s global stature. After years of near misses, their long-awaited Champions League success and now a Ballon d’Or winner in their ranks showcased their evolution from domestic giants to European royalty.
