Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé has won the 2025 Men’s Ballon d’Or, the first of his career, capping off a remarkable season that delivered PSG’s maiden Champions League title and a historic treble.
The 28-year-old French international enjoyed the best campaign of his career in 2024/25, scoring 35 goals and providing 16 assists in 53 appearances across all competitions. His stellar form helped PSG dominate domestically and secure Europe’s biggest prize for the first time.
Initially deployed on the right wing, Dembélé was later moved into a central striking role by manager Luis Enrique—a tactical switch that proved decisive in PSG’s attacking resurgence. In Ligue 1, he registered 21 goals and eight assists in 29 matches, finishing as joint-top scorer and earning both Ligue 1 Player of the Year and a place in the Team of the Year.
On the European stage, Dembélé scored eight Champions League goals, including decisive strikes against Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal, performances that solidified his Ballon d’Or claim.
At the Paris award ceremony, the PSG star—who is currently sidelined by injury—fought back tears as he lifted the golden ball.
He edged Barcelona’s 18-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal, who finished second and received the Kopa Trophy for best young player. PSG teammate Vitinha came third, while Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah placed fourth and Chelsea’s Cole Palmer ranked eighth. Last year’s winner, Manchester City’s Rodri, was absent from the shortlist following an injury-troubled season.
For Dembélé, the honor marks not only personal redemption but also recognition of his central role in PSG’s transformation into Europe’s new dominant force.
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