AFCON 2025
Ousmane Dembélé has been named the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner, capping a remarkable season with Paris Saint-Germain and sending waves of reactions across the football world.
The French forward, who played a pivotal role in PSG’s first-ever Champions League triumph and a domestic treble, edged out Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal in a closely watched vote. His victory marks the first Ballon d’Or for a French player since Karim Benzema in 2022.
Emotionally overwhelmed, Dembélé broke into tears during his acceptance speech. He dedicated the award to his family, PSG fans, and especially his mother, who joined him on stage. “This is not just my award; it’s for the team, for PSG, for everyone who supported me,” he said.
Reactions poured in from across the football community. Analysts praised Dembélé’s consistency, clutch performances in key matches, and leadership on and off the pitch. Some critics, however, argued that Yamal’s extraordinary impact at such a young age made him a strong contender.
Fans celebrated passionately both inside the Théâtre du Châtelet and outside in Paris, with chants, applause, and fireworks lighting up the streets.
Fellow players and former teammates hailed Dembélé’s achievement, noting it as a symbol of a new era in football, where younger stars are increasingly recognized on the world stage.
