Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembele has been crowned the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner, capping off the best season of his career and sealing a fairytale moment in Paris.
The 28-year-old attacker broke down in tears as he received the award from Brazilian legend Ronaldinho, beating Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal to football’s most prestigious individual prize.
Dembele’s triumph comes off the back of a historic campaign where he was the driving force behind PSG’s first-ever Champions League title.
51 goal involvements in 59 matches
Ligue 1 Golden Boot winner
Champions League Player of the Season
Key man in PSG’s domestic treble (Ligue 1, Coupe de France, French Super Cup)
It marks a remarkable turnaround for the Frenchman, who endured injury setbacks and criticism during his time at Barcelona before becoming the face of PSG’s new era.
A tearful Dembele dedicated the award to his family, especially his mother, and paid tribute to his roots:
“This is an award thanks to the collective. I want to thank all my teammates, my family, and my mother who has always been there for me. To have played with Lionel Messi and learned from him was a dream. To win this award in Paris means everything.”
At just 18, Lamine Yamal pushed Dembele all the way after scoring 46 goals in 61 matches and leading Barcelona to the La Liga title. He was named La Liga Young Player of the Season, confirming his status as football’s brightest rising star.
Dembele’s PSG teammate Vitinha finished third, while Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah came fourth. Chelsea’s Cole Palmer also made headlines by breaking into the top 10, finishing eighth.
Ousmane Dembele (PSG)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
Vitinha (PSG)
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
[Next player — depending on full release]
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Sports Marketing content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and exclusive insights from us and our partners.
✍️ Written by Abdul Noah Ocholi | Sports Market International
In a sport that never stops evolving, the Six Nations has always been rugby’s sacred…
Fulham defender Calvin Bassey has been a surprising absentee from the starting lineup in recent…
Cristiano Ronaldo has been called out over what former players have described as a “strange”…
Wrexham legend Elliot Lee has appeared to aim a parting shot at manager Phil Parkinson…
Ademola Lookman’s blockbuster switch to Atletico Madrid has been met with widespread approval from former…
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has shown the human side of football after sending a heartfelt…