Ballon d'Or 2025: Ousmane Dembélé Beats Lamine Yamal to Claim PSG's First Win

The Road to Glory

When Ousmane Dembélé lifted the Ballon d'Or this week, the moment felt like a breath of fresh air for Paris Saint‑Germain fans. The 28‑year‑old French winger had spent the past two seasons turning heads at the Parc des Princes, but it was last season’s historic Champions League run that really sealed his case.

PSG had chased Europe’s biggest club prize for years, stacking the squad with world‑class talent only to fall short in the knockout stages. Dembélé arrived in 2023, fresh from a mixed spell at Barcelona, and immediately injected the side with pace, creativity, and a willingness to take the ball to the final third. Over 13 Champions League matches he logged eight goals and ten assists, a contribution that directly fed PSG’s first‑ever title.

His club form mirrored a steady rise that began back in Brittany. Dembélé cut his teeth at Stade Rennais, where his explosive dribbling caught the eye of scouts across Europe. A move to Borussia Dortmund in 2016 saw him develop under a system that prized quick transitions, and he quickly became a fan favourite in the German Bundesliga.

2017 brought a high‑profile transfer to Barcelona. The pressure of La Liga’s spotlight and a series of injuries meant his spell in Spain was a roller‑coaster of flashes and frustrations. Still, he managed to notch 12 league goals and showcase moments of brilliance that hinted at a higher ceiling.

When PSG snapped him up in the summer of 2023, the expectation was clear: turn his raw talent into consistency. The Frenchman answered by logging over 50 appearances across all competitions, improving his decision‑making and adding a knack for scoring in big games. His performances earned him a place in the UEFA Team of the Year and a spot on the shortlist for the 2024 Ballon d'Or, where he finished third behind Rodri and Lionel Messi.

All of those milestones stacked up for the voting panel, but it was the Champions League final that tipped the scales. In a tense night at Istanbul’s Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium, Dembélé produced a moment of magic – a cut‑inside run that split the defense, followed by a thunderous strike that put PSG ahead. The goal, later voted Goal of the Tournament, encapsulated why the award finally landed in his hands.

• 2014 – Debut for Rennes senior team
• 2016 – Transfer to Borussia Dortmund
• 2017 – Record move to Barcelona
• 2023 – Switch to PSG
• 2024 – Champions League final heroics

What Dembélé's Win Means for PSG and World Football

The victory isn’t just a personal triumph; it signals a shift in the balance of power across the continent. For a club that spent the last decade building a star‑laden roster, finally securing the Champions League and now seeing one of its own win the sport’s top individual honour validates the long‑term project. It also silences critics who claimed PSG relied solely on big‑money signings without delivering silverware.

From a broader perspective, Dembélé’s win marks a changing of the guard. The last few years have been dominated by a handful of legends – Messi, Ronaldo, Benzema – but the recent winners list reads: Rodri (2024), Messi (2023), Benzema (2022). Dembélé becomes the third first‑time winner since 2020, proving that the award is once again open to fresh faces who can combine personal brilliance with team success.

Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who finished as runner‑up, illustrates the next generation’s rise. The Spanish prodigy has already lit up La Liga with his flair, and his close second place shows that voters are taking note of emerging talent. Dembélé’s edge over Yamal was his proven record on the biggest stage – a factor that will likely guide future voting patterns.

In the locker room, teammates described Dembélé as a “quiet leader”. PSG captain Marquinhos noted that the winger’s work ethic, especially in training, raised the entire squad’s level. The emotional acceptance speech, where Dembélé thanked his mother, resonated with fans worldwide and added a human touch to a night often dominated by flashes of gold.

Looking ahead, the French star’s contract runs until 2027, with a hefty release clause that reflects PSG’s desire to keep him as the face of the project. Sponsor deals, merchandising, and global viewership are all set to benefit from the heightened profile the Ballon d'Or brings.

Meanwhile, the French national team will be watching closely. Dembélé’s resurgence could be the spark France needs as they prepare for the next Euro and World Cup cycles. His blend of speed, technique, and big‑game composure aligns perfectly with the squad’s attacking philosophy.

Overall, the 2025 Ballon d'Or narrative is about more than a single player’s accolade. It’s a story of perseverance, strategic club investment, and the emergence of new football icons. For PSG, the trophy cabinet now holds both a Champions League plate and a Ballon d'Or trophy – symbols of a new era where the Parisian giants finally claim their place at the summit of world football.