Ousmane Dembele crowned Ballon d’Or winner after dream season

"When used properly, he could become the best player in the world."
Those were the words of Xavi back in 2021, and four years later, Ousmane Dembele has lived up to that prophecy. The French forward, once labelled injury-prone and inconsistent, has been crowned the Ballon d’Or winner in Paris after the most remarkable season of his career.

Dembele’s triumph is not just about lifting the prestigious golden trophy; it is the story of redemption. Once the second most expensive signing in football history when he joined Barcelona in 2017 for £135.5m, Dembele spent years battling muscle injuries, fines for late arrivals, and doubts about his discipline. Yet in 2024–25, everything finally clicked.

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At Paris Saint-Germain, the 28-year-old became the heartbeat of a team reborn after Kylian Mbappe’s departure to Real Madrid. Given freedom under Luis Enrique to play a more central, goal-focused role, Dembele transformed from a provider into a ruthless finisher. He delivered 35 goals and 14 assists, driving PSG to an unforgettable treble of Ligue 1, Coupe de France and the UEFA Champions League. He even reached the Club World Cup final, proving his impact stretched beyond domestic glory.

What makes his Ballon d’Or achievement even more remarkable is the calibre of rivals he surpassed. Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah had the highest goal involvements in Europe, Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe scored more goals, and Barcelona’s young prodigy Lamine Yamal dazzled with brilliance. Yet Dembele’s all-round influence, consistency and decisive performances made the difference.

His journey to the top has been shaped by change off the pitch too. Marriage in 2021 and the birth of his child marked a turning point. With a stronger sense of discipline, guided by nutritionists and personal trainers, Dembele found the balance between talent and professionalism that had long eluded him.

Now, the man once doubted for his injuries and questioned for his attitude has completed football’s greatest personal honour. Ousmane Dembele has not only silenced critics—he has written himself into football history as the Ballon d’Or winner of 2025.