- A French winger produced a career-defining moment in Paris, securing global recognition on one of football’s grandest nights
- His club enjoyed a record-breaking season that delivered unprecedented silverware and cemented their place in history
- The star now heads abroad to take an important step in his recovery, with his absence set to impact a massive upcoming clash
Ousmane Dembele was officially crowned the winner of the 2025 Ballon d’Or, beating teenage sensation Lamine Yamal to football’s most prestigious individual award during September 22’s awards night in Paris.
The French winger’s dazzling performances for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) over the past season secured him the honour, as he became the latest superstar to etch his name into the history of the game.
Source: Getty Images
Dembele wins 2025 Ballon d’Or
PSG under the guidance of Spaniard Luis Enrique, enjoyed a remarkable 2024/25 campaign, sweeping to a historic quadruple that included the long-awaited Champions League crown, as cited by FIFA.
The ex-Barcelona man was crucial for Luis Enriques’s side. According to Transfermarkt, Ousmane Dembele racked up 35 goals and 16 assists in 53 games across all competitions during the 2024/25 season.
Remarkably, in his 2025 Ballon d’Or victory, the ex-Stade Rennais player was the top pick of 73 journalists from the 100-strong panel, a testament to the widespread admiration he commanded.
Meanwhile, his victory is widely hailed as a story of redemption: a once-criticized winger now transformed into the world’s finest footballer, crowned on the game’s biggest individual stage.
Source: Getty Images
Dembele heads to Qatar for rehabilitation
Following his Ballon d’Or success, Ousmane Dembele will now travel to Qatar to continue his rehabilitation program, according to a statement on PSG’s official website.
The French giants are confident that the 28-year-old will be fully fit and available after the next international break, as he looks to return stronger for both club and country, as cited by PSG Report on X.
Meanwhile, his return to action will be crucial for the French champions as they aim for domestic dominance and another push in the Champions League, but for now he will miss the huge Champions League fixture against FC Barcelona on October 1.
Apart from the absence of Dembele, the reigning European champions are also set to be without six other major players, including captain and defensive stalwart Marquinhos, midfield trio Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Fabian Ruiz as well as Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Speaking of PSG’s Brazilian leader, he suffered a quadriceps injury in his left leg, as confirmed by the Parisian club in a medical update issued two days ago ahead of their Ligue 1 match against Auxerre.
Dembele deserved to win Ballon d’Or 2025
YEN.com.gh had earlier highlighted the key reasons why Ousmane Dembele emerged as the 2025 Ballon d’Or frontrunner ahead of Lamine Yamal of Barcelona.
Pointing to his decisive goals, consistency in big games, and his pivotal role in PSG’s historic Champions League triumph, the talented French footballer presented a stronger case.
Source: YEN.com.gh
Source: Yen.com.gh
