Ousmane Dembele’s career reached its greatest milestone on Monday night in Paris as the Paris Saint-Germain forward lifted the 2025 Ballon d’Or after an extraordinary season with the French champions.

Naija News reports that Ousmane Dembele, 28, edged out teenage star Lamine Yamal and PSG teammate Vitinha to claim football’s most coveted individual prize. The trophy was handed to him by Brazilian legend Ronaldinho, who once lit up the same stage in Barcelona colours.

For Dembele, the moment was more than just personal glory. It was a chance to look back at the journey that shaped him.

“Thank you to all the clubs I have played for: Stade Rennes, Borussia Dortmund, and the club I always dreamed of playing for, Barcelona,” Dembele said in his speech, acknowledging the places where his talent was nurtured.

He also paid special tribute to the football figures who inspired and guided him along the way. “That Ronaldinho, a football legend, gives it to me, it’s exceptional. I’m proud of what I have accomplished,” he said with a smile.

Dembele went further, describing PSG manager Luis Enrique as “like a dad” and recalling how he learned from Spanish great Andres Iniesta during his Barcelona years. “It’s been an incredible year with PSG; a lot of things have happened during my career,” he added.

His statistics from last season underline why he stood tall above the rest. Dembele scored 39 goals and delivered 14 assists across all competitions, driving PSG to the Champions League, Ligue 1, and every major trophy available.

The Frenchman was keen to stress that the award was not his alone. “I want to thank PSG, who came to get me in 2023, the president, and the whole club. Nasser is like a dad to me. I also want to thank my teammates. We won almost everything. You supported me. We went to get almost all the trophies, and this individual trophy really rewards the collective.”

© 2025 Naija News, a division of Polance Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]