Paris Saint-Germain’s long-time dream of lifting the UEFA Champions League finally came true in 2025, and at the heart of it stood Ousmane Dembélé. The French forward produced the best season of his career, scoring 37 goals and delivering 15 assists across all competitions. His ability to perform consistently, whether in domestic Ligue 1 fixtures or on Europe’s biggest nights, set him apart. Unlike in past years when injuries and dips in form limited his impact, Dembélé showed maturity, discipline, and leadership that made him the focal point of PSG’s attack.
Paris Saint-Germain’s first Champions League title fueled Dembélé’s Ballon d’Or win
2025 Ballon d’Or panel placed heavy emphasis on team success combined with individual brilliance, and Dembélé embodied both. His decisive performances during PSG’s Champions League run, including goals in knockout stages and a commanding display in the final, made his case undeniable. The historic trophy ended years of disappointment for PSG and elevated Dembélé from a talented winger to a global icon of the game.
A crucial factor in Dembélé’s rise was Luis Enrique’s tactical innovation. Traditionally deployed as a winger, Dembélé was often shifted into a more central role, allowing him to orchestrate attacks and finish in dangerous positions. This gave him more responsibility in big games and enabled him to thrive under pressure. That positional flexibility showcased his intelligence and adaptability qualities that Ballon d’Or voters value as much as raw numbers..
French football celebrates first Ballon d’Or since Karim Benzema in 2022
With this victory, Dembélé became the sixth French player to win the Ballon d’Or, following legends such as Michel Platini, Jean-Pierre Papin, Zinédine Zidane, and most recently Karim Benzema. His triumph carries symbolic weight for French football, reaffirming the nation’s reputation as a breeding ground for world-class talent. In Paris, celebrations spilled into the streets, with PSG fans hailing him as the man who finally delivered the trophy they had craved for decades.
At the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, Dembélé lifted the golden trophy with tears in his eyes. In his speech, he thanked his family, teammates, and coach Luis Enrique. He admitted that, earlier in his career, winning the Ballon d’Or seemed like an unreachable dream because of constant injuries and doubts about his consistency. His words underscored a key part of his story: resilience in the face of setbacks. This narrative of struggle and redemption made the win resonate far beyond football statistics.
Pressure, expectations, and the road ahead for Ousmane Dembélé
The challenge now lies in maintaining this level. Winning the Ballon d’Or adds pressure, as every match will place Dembélé under scrutiny from fans, analysts, and opponents alike. Defenders will target him more aggressively, critics will measure every performance against his award-winning season, and PSG will look to him for leadership.
However, it also opens doors: endorsements, influence in club decisions, and a lasting legacy in French and European football. If he continues to perform at this level, Dembélé could inspire a new generation of French talent and possibly build a dynasty at PSG.
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