Dembele Crowned King as PSG Dominates Ballon d'Or Ceremony

Sports

Ousame Dembele has capped a sensational career resurgence by winning the 2025 Ballon d'Or, following his pivotal role in Paris Saint-Germain's historic quintuple-winning season.

The 28-year-old French winger, who joined PSG from Barcelona in 2023, becomes the first of his countrymen to claim the prestigious award since Zinedine Zidane in 1998. His victory marks a dramatic return to the pinnacle of the sport after an injury-plagued and inconsistent spell at Barcelona, who had signed him for an initial £97m in 2017.

Dembele was the driving force behind PSG's unprecedented campaign, scoring 35 goals as the club secured the Ligue 1 title, the Champions League, the French Cup, the French Super Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup. His evolution in Paris has been remarkable, with his goal contributions skyrocketing from 20 in his first season to 51 in this triumphant second year.

PSG's on-field success was mirrored at the awards ceremony. Manager Luis Enrique was named the Johan Cruyff Men’s Coach of the Year, and former PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who moved to Manchester City in the summer, won the Yashin Trophy for Best Goalkeeper of the Year.