Ousmane Dembélé, the Paris Saint-Germain forward, has been awarded the 2025 Ballon d’Or, in a ceremony held in Paris on Monday night. His outstanding performances during the 2024-25 season earned him this top honour, firmly placing him among the world’s elite footballers.
Dembélé’s statistics over the season were remarkable: 35 goals and 16 assists across all competitions. His contributions were instrumental in PSG achieving record success, including their first ever UEFA Champions League title, as well as winning Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France.
At 28 years old, Dembélé edged out stiff competition for the award. Among his contenders was Lamine Yamal of Barcelona — a young star who has impressed many — plus several other high-calibre players. But it was Dembélé’s mixture of consistency, impact, and leadership that gave him the edge.
This win is especially meaningful considering Dembélé’s earlier career difficulties. Persistent injuries and periods of underuse had threatened his progress, but his comeback has been strong and this Ballon d’Or marks what many see as the peak of his resurgence.
PSG’s triumphs in 2025 not only highlight individual brilliance but also emphasize the club’s growing dominance on both the domestic and European stages. Alongside Dembélé’s accolade, PSG also placed several players in the Ballon d’Or Team of the Season.
