A Historic Night for Ousmane Dembele

In an unforgettable evening in Paris, Ousmane Dembele of Paris St-Germain has been crowned with his first Ballon d'Or. The 28-year-old French forward's triumphant win coincided with PSG's remarkable performance, as the club swept multiple prestigious awards at the glamorous ceremony.

A Season of Superiority

Dembele's astounding season saw him net 35 goals and provide 14 assists across 53 matches, helping PSG to clinch the Champions League, the league title, and the French Cup. His incredible scoring prowess catapulted him to joint top scorer in Ligue 1 with 21 goals, earning him accolades as both Ligue 1 Player of the Year and Champions League Player of the Year.

Overcoming Adversities

Despite being sidelined with injury, Dembele made a heartwarming appearance at the awards ceremony, shedding tears of joy as he accepted his award. His presence was especially notable as PSG faced Marseille on the same evening, a match that unfortunately saw them suffer a 1-0 defeat.

An Emotional Acceptance Speech

"What I have just experienced is exceptional; I have no words for it," an emotional Dembele shared. Joining him on stage was his mother, adding to the touching moment. He expressed profound gratitude towards PSG, highlighting the familial bond he shares with the club and its president, Nasser Al-Khelaifi.

The Coach Behind the Comeback

Dembele's resurgence can largely be attributed to PSG's manager, Luis Enrique, who received the Coach of the Year honor. A tactical shift in December placed Dembele in a central forward position against Lyon, and from that moment, he exploded onto the scene, tallying an impressive 30 goals.

A Remarkable Comeback

This victory marks a significant turnaround for Dembele, who hadn't achieved double-digit goals in a league season since his teenage years at Rennes. His €96.8 million move from Borussia Dortmund to Barcelona in 2017 set high expectations, but his transfer to PSG for just €43.5 million reflects a revitalized career trajectory.

A Proud Moment for France

Dembele has joined the ranks of elite French footballers by winning the Ballon d'Or, becoming only the sixth Frenchman to do so and the second of the 21st century, following Karim Benzema in 2022. He also contributed two goals in seven appearances for the national team during the 2024-25 season.

Celebrating a New Era

As PSG was named Team of the Year at the Ballon d'Or awards, the ceremony emblemized a soaring chapter for both Dembele and his club, unveiling a bright future laden with promise and potential.