Ousmane Dembélé, the French forward of Paris Saint-Germain, has claimed the 2025 Men’s Ballon d’Or, the most prestigious individual accolade in football, capping off a season of milestones for both himself and his club.
The announcement was made Monday evening in Paris, where Dembélé’s performances and determination stood out in a campaign marked by both resilience and triumph.
“It’s incredible to win a trophy like this,” Dembélé said tearfully upon accepting the award on stage. “I worked for the team to help win PSG’s first Champions League. To then be rewarded with an individual trophy like the Ballon d’Or is truly exceptional.”
He dedicated the honor not only to himself but to those who supported him: “Thank you to PSG who came to get me in 2023. It’s an incredible family. The president Nasser, the entire staff, coach Luis Enrique — he has been very important to my career, even though it’s not over yet.”
Dembélé’s victory comes ahead of young Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal, who finished second in the voting, and PSG teammate Vitinha, who placed third.
This is the first time Dembélé has won the Ballon d’Or. At 28 years of age, he becomes the sixth French player to win the award, following in the footsteps of legends such as Raymond Kopa, Michel Platini, Jean-Pierre Papin, Zinedine Zidane, and most recently Karim Benzema in 2022.
For PSG, the award reflects a season that will long be remembered. The club pulled off what had eluded them: their first ever UEFA Champions League title. Domestically, they also lifted the Ligue 1 trophy and the Coupe de France, as well as adding the UEFA Super Cup.
Dembélé’s statistics were equally impressive. Over all competitions in the 2024-25 season, he scored 35 goals in 53 appearances, contributing also with assists, and played a pivotal role in PSG’s Champions League run.
His rise to this point has been anything but smooth or predictable. After emerging at Stade Rennes as a youth, moving to Borussia Dortmund and later to FC Barcelona, his career has had moments of brilliance but also periods of criticism and instability.
Many had questioned whether he would reach the heights expected of his talent. A return to France with PSG in 2023 marked a turning point, under coach Luis Enrique’s guidance; over the past season, Dembélé found consistency, form, and a leading role in big matches.
At the ceremony held at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, Dembélé was presented the award by former Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldinho — an honor that he said made the moment even more special.
He asked that his mother join him on stage. Many in the audience were visibly moved as he dedicated part of his speech to her and to his family.
“It’s been an amazing season with PSG. I’ve experienced incredible things, and I’m a little nervous; it’s not easy.”
OUSMANE DEMBÉLÉ IS THE 2025 MEN’S BALLON D’OR!#ballondor pic.twitter.com/xLSvNVEh51
— Ballon d’Or (@ballondor) September 22, 2025
This award also marks a shift in narratives. Lamine Yamal’s emergence has been meteoric and he will no doubt feature heavily in future debates. But for now, it is Dembélé whose season stands above the rest.
As is tradition, the voting for the Ballon d’Or included international journalists who assess individual performance, team success, and the character displayed over the season.
Dembélé’s blend of decisive goals, tactical adaptability, moments of leadership, especially in big‐pressure matches, earned him the recognition.
Looking ahead, Dembélé faces a period of recovery from an injury but has assured fans of his intention to return and build on this legacy. “We have won almost everything,” he said in his speech, nodding to the trophies collected, “but we still must keep going.”