Ousmane Dembélé, a renowned French footballer, has been awarded the prestigious men’s Ballon d’Or. The ceremony, held in Paris on Monday, recognized Dembélé as the top performer of the past season. The 28-year-old Paris Saint-Germain forward was overcome with emotion as he acknowledged his family’s sacrifices that contributed to his success.
Dembélé’s path to winning the Ballon d’Or was marked by challenges, including injuries, inconsistency, and concerns about his attitude towards the game. However, his exceptional performance during the 2024 to 2025 season played a crucial role in Paris Saint-Germain’s achievements, including winning the Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Champions League treble, as well as reaching the final of the Club World Cup.
By receiving this award, Dembélé joins an elite group of French football icons, including Raymond Kopa, Michel Platini, Jean-Pierre Papin, Zinedine Zidane, and Karim Benzema. The Ballon d’Or, created in 1956 by France Football magazine, is determined by votes from journalists in the top 100 countries according to the FIFA rankings.
Dembélé’s achievement is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport. His success has not only brought recognition to himself but also to his team, Paris Saint-Germain. The award is a significant milestone in Dembélé’s career, solidifying his position as one of the world’s top footballers.
The Ballon d’Or award has a long history, with the first winner being Stanley Matthews in 1956. Since then, the award has been presented annually to the best player in the world, as voted by international sports journalists. Dembélé’s win marks a notable achievement for French football, highlighting the country’s continued influence on the global soccer scene.
With this award, Dembélé’s career is poised for continued success, and his performance will be closely watched in the upcoming seasons. The football community will be eager to see if he can maintain his exceptional form and lead his team to further victories. Dembélé’s win serves as a reminder of the talent and dedication required to excel in the sport, inspiring aspiring footballers around the world.
