France’s Ousmane Dembélé, considered one of the world’s top footballers, has won the prestigious men’s Ballon d’Or.
At a glitzy ceremony in Paris yesterday night, he was crowned the player deemed to have performed best over the past season.
The 28-year-old Paris Saint-Germain forward broke down in tears as he thanked his family for their sacrifices in helping him win.
Dembélé’s journey to the top football prize has seen many lows as he battled against injury, inconsistency, and concerns about his attitude to the game. He netted 21 goals with eight assists in 29 league appearances and was crucial in Europe, adding eight Champions League goals and decisive strikes in knockout rounds. His performances earned him the 2025 Ballon d’Or, which he won ahead of Barcelona’s rising star Lamine Yamal.
After the award ceremony in Paris, Dembele was visibly moved. “What just happened to me is incredible. I’m speechless. It’s been an amazing season with PSG. I’ve experienced incredible things, and I’m a little nervous; it’s not easy,” he said.
He called receiving the trophy “truly exceptional”, especially getting it from Ronaldinho, and thanked PSG’s president and staff as “a wonderful family” for their support.
He also praised coach Luis Enrique as “like a father” for helping him rediscover top form.
