Dembélé Wins 2025 Ballon d’Or After PSG’s Historic Season

Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé has been crowned the winner of the 2025 Men’s Ballon d’Or, capping off a phenomenal season in which he played a decisive role in the club’s domestic and European success.

The 28-year-old beat Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal, who finished second in the voting, while teammates Achraf Hakimi and Vitinha also received strong backing after PSG’s historic campaign.

Career-Best Season

Dembélé’s transformation from a right-sided winger into a central striker under PSG manager Luis Enrique proved to be one of the defining tactical moves of the 2024–25 season.

He finished the Ligue 1 season with 21 goals and eight assists in just 29 appearances, sharing the league’s top-scorer award and earning a spot in the Team of the Year. However, it was his performances on the continental stage that separated him from the competition.

In the UEFA Champions League, Dembélé struck eight times and delivered six assists, directly contributing to 14 goals in Europe’s elite tournament. He was decisive in the knockout rounds, scoring against Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal.

He also provided the assist for PSG’s winning goal in the semifinal against Arsenal and created two goals in the 5-2 victory over Inter Milan in the final, securing the club’s first Champions League crown since 2020.

From Talent to Global Star

Long touted as one of football’s most gifted wingers, Dembélé’s career had previously been marked by injuries and inconsistency during his time at Barcelona. His move to Paris in 2023 reignited his career, and the 2024–25 campaign marked his full evolution into a complete forward capable of leading an attack.

“Winning the Ballon d’Or is the ultimate dream for any footballer,” Dembélé told France Football earlier this year. “I used to watch the ceremony as a kid on Téléfoot, imagining what it would feel like to hold that golden ball. To finally live that dream is incredible.”

With this win, Dembélé becomes the first Frenchman since Karim Benzema in 2022 to claim the prestigious award, further cementing his place among the game’s elite.

PSG’s Historic Season

PSG’s dominance extended beyond individual honors. The Parisian club clinched the domestic treble, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Trophée des Champions, before completing their historic run with Champions League success.

Manager Luis Enrique praised Dembélé’s work ethic and tactical flexibility, describing him as “the engine of PSG’s attack” and a “game-changer in the biggest moments.”

Football analysts have noted that Dembélé’s recognition signals a shift in global football’s power dynamic, as PSG finally translates years of heavy investment into a complete and balanced squad capable of competing with Europe’s traditional giants.

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Attention now turns to whether PSG can sustain their dominance heading into the 2025–26 season. With a front line built around Dembélé and a midfield anchored by Vitinha, the French champions will look to defend their European title and continue to break records.

For Dembélé, the Ballon d’Or marks a personal milestone but also sets a new bar for his career. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see if he can replicate his form and remain at the top of world football in the seasons to come.