Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé was reduced to tears on Monday night after being crowned the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.
The Frenchman edged Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal to claim football’s most prestigious individual honour for the very first time.
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Ousmane Dembélé moved to tears after winning Ballon d’Or
Dembélé’s numbers from last season highlight why he stood above the rest.
The 28-year-old scored 35 goals and provided 14 assists in 53 matches as PSG completed a historic treble, lifting the Champions League, Ligue 1, and the French Cup.
He finished as joint top scorer in the league with 21 goals, was named Ligue 1’s best player, and also collected the UEFA Champions League Player of the Year award.
Sportswear company, Adidas, congratulates Dembele:
His brilliance extended to the FIFA Club World Cup, where he helped PSG reach the final before falling to Chelsea in New Jersey.
Despite PSG playing on the same evening, Dembélé was present in Paris to collect his award, stepping onto the stage visibly emotional as tears rolled down his face.
His family, including his mother, were equally moved, with the proud parent leaving her seat to embrace him tightly after his name was announced.
In his acceptance speech, shared by GOAL.com, Dembélé said:
“What I’m experiencing is exceptional. It’s been an incredible year with Paris Saint-Germain. I’m a little stressed, it’s not easy. It’s exceptional that Ronaldinho is giving me this title.
“I thank PSG who came looking for me in 2023, its president, the whole team and the whole club. It’s an incredible family. President Nasser is like a dad to me. The staff has been exceptional.
“Luis Enrique has also been like a dad to me throughout my career, even though it’s not over. Thank you to my teammates. The team won this individual trophy.”
Watch the emotional video:
The winger’s triumph marked a stunning career revival for a player who had not hit double figures in league goals since his teenage years at French club Stade Rennes.
Currently sidelined with injury, he missed PSG’s 1-0 home loss to Marseille in a rescheduled match due to stormy weather, but his night in Paris offered a reminder of his remarkable resurgence.
Yamal finishes second but wins Kopa Trophy
Barcelona’s 18-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal finished second in the Ballon d’Or rankings but did not go home empty-handed.
He claimed the Kopa Trophy for the best Under-21 player for the second straight year, confirming his status as the brightest young star in football.
PSG’s Vitinha completed the podium in third place, with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah finishing fourth.
Last year’s winner, Manchester City midfielder Rodri, failed to make the shortlist this time around after an injury-hit campaign.
Source: YEN.com.gh
Source: Yen.com.gh
