Dembélé’s Ballon d’Or win feels like the dawn of a new era
Ousmane Dembélé was awarded the 2025 Ballon d’Or on Monday, capping a remarkable season that saw him lead Paris Saint-Germain to their first-ever UEFA Champions League title and secure a historic treble for the club. The 28-year-old French forward signed off a stellar 2024-25 campaign with 37 goals and 15 assists across all competitions, earning the prestigious individual accolade ahead of Barcelona’s rising star Lamine Yamal and PSG teammate Vitinha.
Ousmane 🫂 Yamal#ballondor pic.twitter.com/aMOZ9gKXQT
— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) September 22, 2025
Dembélé’s triumph marked him as only the second Paris Saint-Germain player to win the Ballon d’Or, following Lionel Messi’s 2023 success. His €148 million transfer return to PSG proved a decisive factor, with manager Luis Enrique’s tactical shift deploying Dembélé as a central forward mid-season, a role in which he thrived. This adaptation unlocked his prolific goal-scoring and playmaking abilities, forging an effective attacking trio alongside winter signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and teenage talent Désiré Doué. Dembélé’s composure, shot-stopping instincts in front of goal, and pressing resistance greatly contributed to PSG’s dominant 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League final.
Lamine Yamal, aged 18, was a close runner-up and continues to underscore his reputation as one of football’s brightest young talents. He played a crucial role in Barcelona’s domestic treble, scoring 18 goals and assisting 25 times, while also helping Spain win the UEFA European Championship. Yamal’s dynamic attacking style and ability to unsettle defenses with deceptive body language set him apart as the youngest player ever to reach the Ballon d’Or podium. Vitinha, who also starred in PSG’s treble-winning season and Portugal’s Nations League triumph, completed the top three, illustrating the depth of quality within PSG’s squad.
Dembélé’s win highlights a strategic shift for PSG, emphasizing attacking versatility and the integration of experienced forwards capable of adapting to multiple roles. For Dembélé personally, the award serves as a crowning achievement after early career doubts, signaling a new era in which his blend of flair, tactical intelligence, and goal-scoring prowess places him firmly among the sport’s elite.
This breakthrough Ballon d’Or not only cements Dembélé’s legacy but also reinforces PSG’s ascending status in European football, underscoring the club’s commitment to building a squad equipped to compete at the highest level. For fans and analysts alike, Dembélé’s season stands as a testament to resilience and evolution within the modern game.