French forward Ousmane Dembélé has been awarded the 2025 Ballon d’Or, capping off a season that saw him play a pivotal role in Paris Saint-Germain’s long-awaited Champions League triumph.
The 28-year-old, who now wears PSG’s iconic No. 10 shirt, edged past other contenders after an outstanding campaign for both club and country. His performances in Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and especially the UEFA Champions League earned him global recognition.
Dembélé’s defining moment came in the Champions League final, where his creativity and assists proved decisive in PSG’s first-ever continental crown. The victory ended years of near misses for the French giants and cemented his place among the game’s elite.
The former Barcelona winger’s resurgence has been one of football’s most remarkable turnarounds. After struggling with injuries and inconsistency in Spain, his 2023 move back to France revitalised his career. Under coach Luis Enrique, he thrived in a freer attacking role, becoming PSG’s chief playmaker and one of Europe’s most feared attackers.
Dembélé also carried his fine form into the international stage with France, producing key goals and assists in their successful campaigns. His consistency and flair helped him outshine rivals in what many described as one of the most competitive Ballon d’Or races in recent years.
