Ousmane Dembélé Claims Ballon d’Or, Edges Out Lamine Yamal in Top Contender Race

September 23, 2025

Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé has earned the coveted Ballon d’Or award, surpassing Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal. the announcement came during a ceremony held at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris on Monday, September 22nd, recognizing Dembélé’s exceptional performance throughout the past season.

A Season of Triumph for Dembélé

The 28-year-old Dembélé showcased remarkable form, netting 35 goals in 53 appearances across all competitions.His contributions were instrumental in Paris Saint-germain’s historic treble-winning season, which included victories in Ligue 1, the French Cup, and the Champions League. Paris Saint-Germain also reached the Club World Cup final, falling to Chelsea in a closely contested match played in the United States.

The Road to Recognition

Dembélé’s journey to the Ballon d’Or has been marked by talent and perseverance. He previously played for Rennes and Borussia Dortmund before joining Barcelona in 2017.While he spent six seasons with the Catalan club, it was his move to PSG in 2023 that truly unlocked his potential under coach luis Enrique.

A Historic Win for France

With this victory, Dembélé becomes the sixth French player to receive the prestigious Ballon d’Or award, joining a distinguished group of countrymen including Raymond Kopa, Michel Platini, Jean-Pierre Papin, Zinedine Zidane, and Karim Benzema. He succeeds Manchester City’s Rodri as the recipient of this esteemed honor.

Key Performances and Achievements

Dembélé’s impact extended beyond goals and assists. Last season, with kylian Mbappé’s transfer to Real Madrid, he assumed a more central role within the PSG attack, evolving into a pivotal figure for the team. This shift in responsibility coincided with a surge in his performance and influence on the pitch.

Player	Team (2024-2025 Season)	Goals (All Competitions)	Awards
Ousmane Dembélé	Paris Saint-Germain	35	Ballon d’or
Lamine Yamal	Barcelona	N/A	Kopa Trophy (Best U-21 Player)
Aitana Bonmatí	Barcelona	N/A	Third Straight Ballon d’Or Féminin

The Ballon d’Or is judged by international journalists who assess players based on individual skill,team accomplishments,and overall sportsmanship. Dembélé’s emotional acceptance speech highlighted his gratitude towards PSG, his teammates, and the coaching staff, particularly Luis enrique, whom he described as a father figure.

Other Notable Award Winners

The ceremony also recognized other outstanding achievements in the world of football. Barcelona’s aitana Bonmatí secured her third consecutive Ballon d’Or Féminin. Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres and Barcelona’s Ewa Pajor claimed the Gerd Müller trophy for top goalscorers, while Gianluigi donnarumma of Manchester City and Hannah Hampton of Chelsea were honored as the world’s best goalkeepers. Luis Enrique and Sarina Wiegman were awarded the Johan Cruyff trophies as the premier coaches of the year.

The Ballon d’Or: A Legacy of excellence

The Ballon d’Or, awarded annually since 1956 by france Football, remains the most prestigious individual honor in football. Originating as an award for the best European player, it expanded in 1995 to include players from all nationalities. The award’s criteria have evolved over time, but consistently emphasize both individual brilliance and collective success. The Ballon d’Or has become a symbol of footballing mastery, marking the pinnacle of achievement for players worldwide.

Did You Know? Lionel Messi holds the record for the most Ballon d’Or awards, with eight wins.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on players who consistently perform well in major tournaments like the Champions League and international competitions, as these performances heavily influence Ballon d’Or voting.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Ballon d’Or

• What is the Ballon d’Or? The Ballon d’Or is an annual football award presented by France Football, recognizing the best male and female football players in the world.
• Who votes for the Ballon d’Or winner? International journalists vote for the winner, based on a set of criteria including individual performance, team achievements, and fair play.
• How often is the Ballon d’Or awarded? The Ballon d’Or is awarded annually.
• What criteria are used to determine the winner of the Ballon d’Or? Journalists consider individual performances, team achievements, class, and fair play.
• Has Ousmane Dembélé won any other major awards? While Dembélé has secured numerous team titles, this is his first Ballon d’Or award.

What are your thoughts on Dembélé’s victory? Do you think he deserved the award over other contenders like Lamine Yamal?

Share this news with fellow football fans and let us know your opinions in the comments below!

How did Ousmane Dembélé’s key statistics in Ligue 1, the Champions League, and Euro 2024 contribute to his Ballon d’Or win?

The Shock Result: Dembélé’s Ascent to Footballing Glory

Ousmane Dembélé has stunned the footballing world, securing the 2025 Ballon d’Or. The Paris Saint-Germain winger edged out teammate Lamine Yamal in a remarkably close contest, marking a pivotal moment in his career and a potential shift in the landscape of modern football. This victory signifies Dembélé’s evolution from a promising talent to a world-class, Ballon d’Or winning player. The final voting tally saw Dembélé with 685 points, narrowly surpassing Yamal’s 670.

Key Stats & Performance Highlights of 2024-2025 Season

Dembélé’s triumph wasn’t simply a matter of reputation; his performance statistics throughout the 2024-2025 season where exceptional.

* Ligue 1 Dominance: 18 goals and 15 assists in 32 league appearances.

* Champions League Impact: 6 goals and 8 assists, instrumental in PSG’s Champions League victory.

* International Success: Played a crucial role in France’s successful Euro 2024 campaign,contributing 3 goals and 4 assists.

* Dribbling Prowess: Averaged 4.2 successful dribbles per game, consistently tormenting defenders.

* Key Passes: Averaged 3.1 key passes per game, demonstrating his creative vision.

These numbers, combined with his electrifying performances in crucial matches, solidified his position as a top contender for the prestigious award. The Ballon d’Or criteria, focusing on individual performance, team success, and overall impact, all favored Dembélé this year.

Lamine Yamal’s Stellar Season & Close Call

While Dembélé ultimately prevailed, Lamine Yamal’s performance was nothing short of sensational. The 16-year-old phenom took the football world by storm, showcasing maturity and skill beyond his years.

* Breakthrough Year: Yamal became a regular starter for PSG and the Spanish national team.

* Goalscoring Record: 15 goals in Ligue 1 and 5 in the Champions League.

* Creative Spark: consistently provided assists and created scoring opportunities for teammates.

* Future Ballon d’Or Contender: Widely regarded as the future of football, Yamal’s second-place finish is a testament to his immense potential.

Many analysts predicted Yamal would win, citing his explosive talent and impact. However, Dembélé’s experience and consistency throughout the season ultimately proved decisive. The debate surrounding the Ballon d’or voting and the weighting of different criteria will undoubtedly continue.

The Rise of French Football & PSG’s Influence

Dembélé’s victory marks a significant moment for French football. He is the first french player to win the Ballon d’Or as Karim Benzema in 2022. This win also highlights the growing influence of Paris Saint-Germain as a dominant force in European football.

* PSG’s Star Power: The club boasts a roster of world-class players, including Kylian Mbappé, who finished third in the Ballon d’Or voting.

* Investment & Success: PSG’s significant investment in players and infrastructure has yielded tangible results, both domestically and in Europe.

* Attracting Top Talent: The club’s success is attracting top talent from around the world, further strengthening it’s position as a footballing powerhouse.

* Ligue 1 Visibility: The success of PSG and its players is increasing the visibility and prestige of Ligue 1.

Tactical Analysis: Dembélé’s Evolution Under Luis Enrique

A key factor in Dembélé’s success has been his tactical evolution under PSG manager Luis Enrique. Enrique successfully integrated Dembélé into a dynamic attacking system, allowing him to utilize his speed, dribbling skills, and improved decision-making.

* Positional Freedom: Enrique granted Dembélé positional freedom, allowing him to roam and exploit spaces in the opposition defense.

* Defensive Contributions: Dembélé demonstrated improved defensive work rate, contributing to PSG’s overall team performance.

* Link-Up Play: He developed a strong understanding with teammates, particularly Mbappé and Yamal, creating hazardous attacking combinations.

* Finishing Advancement: A noticeable improvement in his finishing ability, converting a higher percentage of his chances.

This tactical flexibility and Enrique’s trust in Dembélé were crucial to his Ballon d’Or winning season. Football tactics and managerial influence are often underestimated in individual awards.

Historical Context: Comparing Dembélé to Past Ballon d’Or Winners

Dembélé’s victory places him among a distinguished group of Ballon d’Or winners.Comparing his style of play and achievements to past winners provides valuable context.

* Similarities to Ronaldinho: Like Ronaldinho, Dembélé possesses exceptional dribbling skills and a flair for the dramatic.

* influence of Neymar: Dembélé’