Ballon d'Or Winner: Ousmane Dembélé's Journey to Success
Read about Ousmane Dembélé's journey from Rennes to Paris Saint-Germain and his ultimate triumph with the Ballon d'Or award.
Ousmane Dembélé's recent performances haven't exactly endeared him to his former Barcelona fans...
Ousmane Dembélé basks in the glory of his Ballon d'Or win after a phenomenal season with Paris Saint-Germain. The French winger's impressive performances on the pitch have earned him the prestigious award, which he didn't initially set out to achieve. Dembélé's focus on teamwork and collective success has always been his priority, rather than individual accolades.
Xavi Hernández, Dembélé's former coach at Barcelona, once praised the player's immense talent, stating that he had everything it took to become the best player in the world. Xavi's keen eye for talent allowed him to spot Dembélé's potential early on, and the player's growth into a top-class winger has vindicated Xavi's assessment.
The 'Mosquito' is the 2025 Ballon d'Or winner, after an incredible season with PSG, as the attacking leader after Kylian Mbappe left the Parc des Princes.
In the end, it was the discreet, the distracted, the man who never became fixated on statistics and individual trophies, the one who didn't even campaign to top the polls, who lifted the prestigious award, following in the footsteps of Rodri, another low-profile player has been crowned despite the hype, followers and media coverage.
Following in the footsteps of Raymond Kopa, Michel Platini, Jean-Pierre Papin, Zinedine Zidane and Karim Benzema, Dembele becomes the sixth Frenchman to win the Ballon d'Or, and the second after 'JPP' to do so after a full season in Ligue 1, while George Weah and Lionel Messi only played half a season in France when they were crowned.
Ousmane Dembélé's Journey to Ballon d'Or Glory
Ousmane Dembélé's career has been a rollercoaster ride, marked by flashes of brilliance and marred by injuries and inconsistent performances. Despite his immense talent, which was evident since his early days at Rennes, Dembélé's stormy departures from Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain have often overshadowed his on-field accomplishments. His struggles with injuries, particularly during his time at Barcelona, have become legendary, though he hasn't suffered a long-term absence since Xavi reinstated him in January 2022. Dembélé's inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities has also drawn criticism.
🎶 A new hit in Paris!#ballondor pic.twitter.com/VtIB7QKm0B
— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) September 22, 2025
A Turning Point?
Dembélé's reunion with Barcelona in the Champions League quarterfinals in 2024 might have been the catalyst for his transformation. However, it was his move to Paris Saint-Germain that truly revitalized his career. Under the guidance of coach Luis Enrique, Dembélé has blossomed into a consistent match-winner and global star. His impressive performances in the 2024-2025 season, including 35 goals and 14 assists in all competitions, played a pivotal role in PSG's historic quadruple win, comprising Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophée des Champions, and the UEFA Champions League.
Ousmane Dembélé's recent performances haven't exactly endeared him to his former Barcelona fans, who were likely left scratching their heads seeing him thrive after struggling to reach his potential during his time at Camp Nou. However, his move to Paris Saint-Germain seems to have unlocked his true potential. Under coach Luis Enrique, Dembélé has blossomed into a key player, showcasing exceptional skill and dedication.
A notable moment highlighting Dembélé's growth is his role in PSG's Champions League final against Inter Milan. In a documentary series, Luis Enrique was seen urging Kylian Mbappé to take on more defensive responsibilities and become a team leader. While Mbappé wasn't the one to fully embody this role, Dembélé stepped up, demonstrating remarkable selflessness and leadership. His performance in the final, marked by a crucial backheel pass that set up a goal, showcased his ability to create scoring opportunities and control the game's tempo.
Ousmane Dembélé's Ballon d'Or win is a testament to his invaluable contribution to Paris Saint-Germain, rather than just his impressive statistics. With 35 goals and 16 assists in 53 matches across all competitions, Dembélé has been instrumental in PSG's success. His ability to create scoring opportunities, control the game's tempo, and demonstrate selflessness has made him an integral part of the team.
Ousmane Dembélé's journey from a carefree world champion to a Ballon d'Or winner has been a transformative one. In 2018, he was part of France's World Cup-winning team, and by 2025, he had claimed the prestigious Ballon d'Or award. This seven-year period has been marked by significant growth, both on and off the pitch.
Under the guidance of coach Luis Enrique, Dembélé has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis. Enrique's influence has helped him unlock his true potential, and he has become an even more formidable player. Dembélé's impressive performance in the 2024-2025 season, where he scored 33 goals and provided 15 assists, earned him the Ligue 1 Player of the Year award and the UEFA Champions League Player of the Season.
Dembélé's success with Paris Saint-Germain has been a highlight of his career. He played a pivotal role in the team's historic quadruple win, comprising Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophée des Champions, and the UEFA Champions League. His impressive displays, including a hat-trick against VfB Stuttgart and crucial goals in the Champions League, have cemented his position as one of the world's top players.
What a journey, Ousmane Dembélé 🌟 pic.twitter.com/RftpAauQCD
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) September 22, 2025
Career Highlights
Ballon d'Or Winner: Dembélé's crowning achievement, recognizing him as the world's best footballer for 2025
PSG's Historic Quadruple: Dembélé was instrumental in PSG's win, showcasing his skills in Europe's biggest games
Consistency and Decisiveness: He maintained elite fitness levels, avoided injury setbacks, and delivered match-winning performances throughout the season
Individual Accolades: Dembélé won the Ligue 1 Player of the Year award and was included in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year
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