When the 2025 Ballon d’Or was awarded, few surprises loomed as large as the name Ousmane Dembélé. The French winger—and now one of PSG’s talismans—took home football’s greatest individual honor, edging out prodigious talents such as Lamine Yamal and Vitinha.
But this wasn’t a fluke. Dembélé’s coronation was built on numbers, narratives, and a season that reshaped his career.
From Barcelona Shadows to PSG Stardom
Dembélé’s journey has had its share of stumbles. His high-profile move to Barcelona at age 20 (for around €148 million) did not immediately pay off, and many questioned whether he would ever reach his full potential.
However, all doubt faded after his return to France. At 28, now donning the Paris Saint-Germain colors, he delivered arguably the finest season of his professional life. Under Luis Enrique’s guidance, he played a pivotal role in PSG’s historic treble—capping it off with their first ever Champions League title.
In doing so, Dembélé became only the second PSG player ever to lift the Ballon d’Or (after Lionel Messi in 2023).
The Numbers That Spoke Volumes
Let’s break down what really made Dembélé’s season stand out:
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35 goals + 16 assists across all competitions. That’s elite output, especially for a player who was often more renowned for his dribbling, pace, and flair.
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When looking at combined goal contributions (goals + assists) in Europe’s top five leagues, he ranks fourth among all attackers.
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He outpaced his previous personal best – the 30 combined contributions he achieved in 2016/17 with Borussia Dortmund.
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Defenders struggled to contain him in both Ligue 1 and the Champions League. His positional switch to central forward around midseason proved transformative, unleashing even more of his attacking threat.
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His market value soared as a result: Paris Saint-Germain now values him at €90 million, up by €30 million over the course of this standout campaign. Transfermarkt
So not only did he shine on the pitch, but his reputation and valuation followed suit.
Joining the Elite of French Football
By claiming the Ballon d’Or, Dembélé also etched his name among the elite French legends:
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He is now just the sixth Frenchman ever to win the award.
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The more illustrious names on that list include Karim Benzema (2022), Zinedine Zidane (1998), Jean-Pierre Papin (1991), Michel Platini (three-time winner in the 80s), and Raymond Kopa (1958).
In other words: Dembélé has leapt from promising talent to one of France’s all-time greats.
What This Season Means
For Ousmane Dembélé, this award is more than personal validation—it’s proof of transformation. He’s reshaped his narrative, moved into undisputed elite status, and become a symbol of resurgence for PSG.
His shift in role, his relentless consistency, and his ability to deliver in the biggest moments made the difference. And the stats back it all up.
Whether you’re a fan of PSG, French football, or just love stories of comeback and excellence—this is a season worth revisiting for years to come.