A Triumph Years in the Making for a 28-Year-Old Forward
Ousmane Dembélé was awarded the 2025 Ballon d’Or on Monday night in Paris, completing a journey marked by brilliance, setbacks, and redemption. The Paris Saint-Germain and France forward became the sixth Frenchman to win the prestigious trophy, joining the likes of Michel Platini, Zinedine Zidane, and Karim Benzema. He finished ahead of Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and PSG teammate Vitinha in the voting conducted by 100 international journalists. Dembélé received the trophy from former Barcelona legend Ronaldinho in a moment that symbolized the long-awaited fulfillment of his potential. His emotional acceptance speech underlined how far he had come, thanking family, teammates, and coaches for standing by him during the most difficult stages of his career.
Dembélé’s career began with flashes of raw talent at Rennes before a breakout season at Borussia Dortmund during the 2016-17 campaign established him as one of Europe’s most coveted young players. At just 19 years old, he made 49 appearances across all competitions, scoring 10 goals and providing 20 assists, and earned Bundesliga Rookie of the Year honors. His pace, dribbling, and ability to create chances drew comparisons to some of the game’s greatest wingers, while his decisive goal in the DFB-Pokal final against Eintracht Frankfurt highlighted his big-game potential. That remarkable form paved the way for a blockbuster transfer to Barcelona in 2017, where expectations soared after the club spent $174 million to secure his services. Though he contributed to several domestic trophies, including La Liga and Copa del Rey titles, Dembélé’s time in Spain was clouded by inconsistency and constant injury setbacks, leading critics to question whether he could ever fully live up to his immense potential.
The lows of his career nearly defined him. Nagging hamstring problems and long layoffs at Barcelona disrupted his development during critical years. Doubts about his professionalism and fitness were amplified in the Spanish media, and supporters grew frustrated with his inability to stay on the pitch. Perhaps the most humiliating moment came on the game’s biggest stage: the 2022 World Cup final against Argentina. After giving away a penalty and struggling defensively, he was substituted before halftime, a decision that drew widespread criticism and raised questions about his ability to handle pressure in crucial matches. For many, that night became a symbol of wasted talent, and by 2023, he was viewed more as a transfer risk than a future Ballon d’Or winner.
The move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2023 proved to be the turning point. Under manager Luis Enrique, Dembélé thrived in a system that allowed him to exploit his creativity and goal-scoring instincts rather than remain confined to the touchline. His 2024-25 season was nothing short of transformational: he tallied 35 goals and 16 assists across all competitions, driving PSG’s attack with consistent production and decisive moments. Among his most memorable contributions was a vital goal in the Champions League semifinal against Arsenal, a strike that helped send PSG into the final for the first time. That form earned him Ligue 1 Player of the Year honors and, most importantly, a starring role in PSG’s first-ever Champions League triumph. In a season where consistency and excellence finally matched his natural flair, he became impossible for Ballon d’Or voters to ignore.
Dembélé’s win also reflects the narrative appeal of resilience and redemption. Voters rewarded not just the dazzling skill but the perseverance required to overcome years of injury struggles and public criticism. His story resonates as a lesson in patience, showing that even when early promise appears unfulfilled, the right environment and persistence can produce greatness. Analysts have pointed out that his win is emblematic of a wider shift in European football, as PSG’s long-sought Champions League breakthrough coincided with individual recognition for one of their brightest stars. The moment was also bittersweet for challengers like Yamal, whose breakthrough year at Barcelona nearly propelled him to the award, but most believe his time will come soon.
By lifting the Ballon d’Or, Dembélé has secured his place in football history, transforming a career once defined by unfulfilled potential into one capped by the game’s highest individual honor. He now stands alongside French icons who shaped the sport and will be remembered not just as a gifted winger but as a player who endured setbacks and rose to the very top. For PSG, it is a validation of their ambitious project and a testament to the club’s ability to provide a platform for elite talent to thrive. For Dembélé, it is the ultimate reward for resilience — a journey that has spanned dazzling highs, painful lows, and, finally, the recognition as the world’s best footballer.
