French forward Ousmane Dembélé has been awarded the 2025 Ballon d’Or, football’s most prestigious individual honor, at a ceremony in Paris. The 28-year-old Paris Saint-Germain star was recognized for his instrumental role in guiding the club to its first-ever UEFA Champions League title last season.
Dembélé edged out Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who finished second, to succeed last year’s winner, Manchester City midfielder Rodri. Overcome with emotion, Dembélé paused multiple times during his acceptance speech before being joined on stage by his mother.
The winger enjoyed a remarkable campaign, scoring 35 goals across all competitions as PSG secured a historic treble — winning Ligue 1, the French Cup, and the Champions League. Reflecting on his journey, Dembélé praised coach Luis Enrique, describing him as “like a father,” and emphasized that the award was a reflection of PSG’s collective effort.
Other award highlights included:
- Best Striker: Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal, recognized for his prolific season with Sporting Lisbon).
- Best Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain).
- Best Coach: Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain).
- Kopa Trophy: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, best U21 player, winning the award for a second straight year).
Dembélé, a 2018 World Cup winner with France and former Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund player, joins the elite ranks of Ballon d’Or winners after a season that not only redefined his career but also reshaped PSG’s place in European football history.
