The Pinnacle of Glory In a night that will be etched in football history, French superstar Ousmane Dembélé reached the zenith of his career. At the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, the world watched as the Paris Saint-Germain winger was awarded the 2025 Ballon d’Or by France Football. This prestigious award recognizes him as the best player on the planet, following a season of sheer brilliance where he outshone titans like Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Mohamed Salah.
A Historic Season with PSG The 2025 trophy marks the first Ballon d’Or for Dembélé. His victory was not just a personal milestone but a celebration of a historic season for Paris Saint-Germain. Under his leadership on the pitch, PSG finally secured the elusive UEFA Champions League title, a feat that had long escaped the Parisian club. Dembélé’s electrifying pace, dribbling, and newfound clinical finishing made him the undisputed favorite for the award.
Emotional Handover: From Legend to Star The ceremony reached its emotional peak when Brazilian legend Ronaldinho stepped onto the stage to present the trophy. Dembélé, visibly moved, received the golden ball from his childhood idol. In his acceptance speech, he stated: “This is an extraordinary moment. I am speechless… What we achieved with PSG was legendary.” He added that receiving the award from Ronaldinho made the dream even more surreal.
Gratitude to PSG and Al-Khelaifi Dembélé was quick to credit his success to the support system at the Parc des Princes. He shared a special message for PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi, saying: “I thank the club that believed in me since 2023. Al-Khelaifi has been like a father to me.” He also praised coach Luis Enrique for his tactical guidance, which transformed Dembélé into a more complete and disciplined player.
A Journey of Growth: From Vernon to the World Reflecting on his past, the winger paid tribute to the clubs that shaped him—Rennes, Borussia Dortmund, and FC Barcelona. He acknowledged learning from icons like Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta during his time in Spain. Despite the accolades, Dembélé remained humble, admitting that the Ballon d’Or was never his primary goal: “I always focused on the team and trophies. I never imagined myself on this stage.”
Looking Ahead: The World Cup Dream While he has already tasted World Cup glory in 2018, Dembélé is hungry for more. He expressed his desire to win the next World Cup for France as a tribute to coach Didier Deschamps. As the ceremony concluded, he tearfully thanked his family and his agent, whom he described as his “best friend” and the man who always prophesied this golden moment.







