Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé has won the 2025 Men’s Ballon d’Or, marking his first career triumph in the prestigious award after a stellar season that propelled PSG to a historic treble, including their maiden UEFA Champions League title.
The 28-year-old French international edged out Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal for the honor at the Théâtre du Châtelet ceremony.
Dembélé’s breakout 2024/25 campaign saw him score 35 goals and provide 14 assists in 53 appearances across all competitions, finishing as joint-top scorer in Ligue 1 with 21 goals.
He earned Player of the Year accolades in both Ligue 1 and the Champions League, with pivotal contributions including six assists in Europe’s elite competition, notably in PSG’s semifinal win over Arsenal and the final against Inter Milan.
Under manager Luis Enrique, Dembélé’s shift to a central striker role formed a lethal attacking trio with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Désiré Doué, driving PSG’s success in Ligue 1, the French Cup, and the Champions League.
The PSG star, who succeeded Manchester City’s Rodri as winner, ranked ahead of Yamal (2nd), PSG teammate Vitinha (3rd), Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (4th), and Barcelona’s Raphinha (5th) in the voting by international journalists.
Dembélé, emotional upon receiving the award, credited PSG’s comeback victory over Manchester City as the turning point of their season.9576c5 His market value rose by €30 million following the campaign.
In other awards, Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmatí claimed her third consecutive Women’s Ballon d’Or, while Lamine Yamal won the Men’s Kopa Trophy for best young player. PSG was named Men’s Club of the Year.e11e02
Dembélé’s journey from a €148 million Barcelona signing to Ballon d’Or winner has been hailed as a redemption arc, with fans and pundits reflecting on how far the once-injury-plagued talent has come.
