- PSG’s Ousmane Dembele wins the 2025 men’s Ballon d’Or at 28 years old.
- Beat Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal, who finished second.
- Scored 21 goals and made 8 assists in Ligue 1 after Luis Enrique moved him to striker.
- Netted 8 Champions League goals, plus decisive assists in the semifinal and final.
- Helped PSG win both Ligue 1 and their long-awaited Champions League title.
Luis Enrique’s decision to shift Dembélé from the right wing to the striker role changed everything. In 29 Ligue 1 games, he produced 21 goals and 8 assists, earning a share of the Golden Boot and a place in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year.
It wasn’t only in France where he dominated. Dembélé scored 8 goals in the Champions League, including strikes against Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal. He also turned provider with 6 assists, one in the semifinal against Arsenal and two in the 5–1 demolition of Inter Milan in the final.
Speaking to France Football after lifting the Golden Ball, Dembélé said:
“Winning a Ballon d’Or when you’re a football player is obviously the Holy Grail individually. It’s something you dream about when you’re little. Just to hold it is exceptional.”
PSG teammates Achraf Hakimi and Vitinha were also shortlisted after outstanding seasons, but Dembélé’s impact in decisive moments, particularly in Europe, made him the standout choice.
Dembélé’s 2025 Ballon d’Or win not only seals his best-ever season but also writes him into PSG’s history books as the man who fired them to long-awaited continental glory.
