Ousmane Dembélé has recently cemented his status in the football world by winning the 2025 Ballon d'Or, an award that recognizes the world's best player. His victory came after a standout season with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) where he played a pivotal role in the club's historic continental treble—winning Ligue 1, the French Cup, and their first-ever UEFA Champions League title. Dembélé's performances were a key factor in this success, as he finished the season with 35 goals and 16 assists across all competitions.
His success this season is a notable turnaround in his career, which was previously marked by injuries and inconsistent form. His move back to France to join PSG and his transformation under coach Luis Enrique, who repositioned him into a central forward role, proved to be a masterstroke. Dembélé's win makes him the sixth French player to claim the prestigious trophy, joining an elite list of countrymen. The win also highlights PSG's emergence as a dominant force in European football.
Soccer Background
Ousmane Dembélé's football journey began in his native France, where he rose through the youth ranks at Rennes. His impressive performances at the club led to his professional debut in 2015 and earned him the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year award in his first season.
His talent quickly attracted the attention of European giants, and in 2016, he signed with German club Borussia Dortmund. At Dortmund, he continued to showcase his explosive pace, dribbling skills, and ability to use both feet, which made him a highly sought-after prospect. He won the DFB-Pokal (German Cup) with the club in his debut campaign.
In 2017, Dembélé made a high-profile transfer to FC Barcelona for a massive fee. His time at the Spanish club was a mixed bag, with periods of brilliant performances intertwined with a series of recurring hamstring injuries that hampered his consistency. Despite the challenges, he contributed to Barcelona winning multiple La Liga titles and the Copa del Rey.
In 2023, he returned to France to join PSG. This move has been a game-changer for his career. Under the guidance of his coach, he found a new lease on life, transforming into a prolific goal scorer and a leading figure on the team. His career has now culminated in football's most prestigious individual honor, the Ballon d'Or, and has earned him a place in an elite group of players who have won the World Cup, the Champions League, and the Ballon d'Or.
You can learn more about his journey from a promising talent to a Ballon d'Or winner by watching this video: [Ousmane Dembélé's journey from being subbed in the World Cup Final to Ballon d'Or winner](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Z8Sou8cRfI).
