Ousmane Dembélé wins 2025 Ballon d'Or, crowning a career of highs and lows

Ousmane Dembélé won the 2025 Ballon d'Or on Monday, September 22, at a ceremony held at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. The Paris Saint-Germain forward topped the vote of 100 international journalists, edging out Lamine Yamal (2nd) and Vitinha (3rd) to claim the honor given to the best football player of the year. He succeeds Spain's Rodri and joins the ranks of the trophy's illustrious winners, including his idol, Lionel Messi.

"What I've just experienced is extraordinary, I'm lost for words... It's been an incredible year with Paris Saint-Germain. Winning this trophy after football legends is truly exceptional. I'm proud of everything I've achieved in my career," he said after receiving the highest individual award in football. "The Ballon d'Or was never a goal in my career, but I'm happy tonight," he added, visibly moved, before tearing up on stage as he thanked his family, who "always supported him."

The French international has fulfilled a childhood dream. "It's an exceptional trophy for a football player. The Ballon d'Or is the Holy Grail," he had told Le Monde in an interview on August 28. Dembélé became the sixth Frenchman to receive this honor, following in the footsteps of Raymond Kopa, Michel Platini, Jean-Pierre Papin, Zinédine Zidane, and Karim Benzema.

This Ballon d'Or capped off the outstanding performances of PSG's number 10, who has won nearly everything in recent months, both as part of a team and individually. Decisive in the most important matches, he was the main architect of the French capital club's historic five-trophy haul: the UEFA Super Cup, Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, the Trophée des Champions, and, above all, the much-coveted UEFA Champions League. The native of Vernon, Normandy, scored 35 goals and provided 16 assists in all competitions. He was also named the best player in Ligue 1 and the Champions League for the 2024-2025 season.

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