Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembélé has been crowned Ballon d’Or winner, beating Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal to the prestigious award after a remarkable campaign that saw him lead PSG to their first-ever Champions League trophy.
The 28-year-old forward netted 35 goals and provided 16 assists across 53 appearances as PSG secured a historic treble, lifting Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and Europe’s biggest prize. He also played a pivotal role in the Club World Cup, where PSG finished as runners-up to Chelsea in the United States.
Collecting the award at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris on Monday, Dembélé was visibly emotional. “Thank you all,” he said. “What just happened to me is incredible. I’m speechless. It’s been an amazing season with PSG. I’ve experienced incredible things, and I’m a little nervous; it’s not easy. Receiving this trophy, especially from Ronaldinho, is truly exceptional. I want to thank PSG for signing me in 2023. The president, the entire team, and the club. They are a wonderful family.”
Dembélé paid tribute to coach Luis Enrique, who he described as “like a father,” and dedicated the award to his teammates. “We’ve won almost everything. You’ve been by my side, and together we’ve raised our level to achieve these team trophies. This is an individual award, but we all share in this success as a team.”
The Frenchman succeeded Manchester City’s Rodri as the winner, becoming the sixth player from France to claim the honour, joining Raymond Kopa, Michel Platini, Jean-Pierre Papin, Zinedine Zidane and Karim Benzema.
Reflecting on his journey, Dembélé expressed gratitude to his former clubs, including Rennes, Borussia Dortmund, and Barcelona. “I learned so much there, playing alongside players like Messi and Iniesta. It was a great learning experience. I am so happy. When I see the list of legends who have won this award… to win this trophy is incredible.”
Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, 18, who helped Barcelona to LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Supercopa, was named runner-up but picked up the Kopa Trophy for best under-21 player. “I need to keep on working to win other awards in the future,” Yamal said.
Elsewhere, Barcelona and Spain star Aitana Bonmatí won her third consecutive Ballon d’Or Féminin, while Arsenal’s Viktor Gyökeres and Barcelona’s Ewa Pajor claimed the Gerd Müller trophies for top scorers. PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton were honoured as the best goalkeepers in the world. PSG coach Luis Enrique and England women’s manager Sarina Wiegman received the Johan Cruyff trophies as coaches of the year.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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