On 22 September 2025, Ousmane Dembélé was crowned Ballon d’Or winner, a moment that marked not only the peak of his career but also a historic milestone for Paris Saint-Germain. Visibly emotional, the French winger admitted he had tried to remain composed: “I didn’t want to cry, but as soon as I started talking about my family, about the people who have been there for me, it came up and I couldn’t hold it back.” His victory was made even more symbolic as he won the prize ahead of Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who had been widely tipped as a future heir to the award.
Dembélé stressed that the award was never something he had chased individually. “It was never a personal objective. On an individual level, having a trophy like this is magnificent. But when it happens, of course, you’re happy, you’re delighted.” By framing the Ballon d’Or as an unexpected gift rather than a personal obsession, he distanced himself from the image of selfish ambition. This humility resonated strongly with fans, who saw him as someone embodying both brilliance and selflessness.
Crucially, he emphasized the collective nature of his success. He dedicated the award to “my club, PSG supporters, the staff, and my teammates,” underscoring that it belonged to many rather than just himself. His special tribute to coach Luis Enrique, whom he described as “like a father to me,” highlighted the pivotal role of PSG’s current project in reviving his career. He also thanked the club president, reinforcing the sense that his rise was inseparable from the institution backing him.
When asked whether he might be considered the “people’s Ballon d’Or,” echoing Karim Benzema’s famous recognition, Dembélé replied: “Benzema is the people’s Ballon d’Or, the first one, and I am the second.” This statement positioned him within a lineage of French icons, linking him to a broader national footballing pride. By claiming the “second” place after Benzema, he humbly acknowledged legacy while still carving out his own historic place.
Beyond the individual glory, the award has profound meaning for PSG. The club’s long pursuit of European legitimacy was crowned last season with their first Champions League triumph, a success that weighed heavily in Dembélé’s win ahead of Yamal. His recognition validates the project led by Luis Enrique and signals that Paris is no longer just a wealthy club chasing relevance, but one capable of producing and showcasing the world’s best player. It also provides a benchmark for teammates, showing that excellence at PSG can translate into the sport’s highest individual honor.
For the future, however, the Ballon d’Or brings both opportunity and pressure. PSG now carry heightened expectations to maintain continental dominance, while Dembélé himself faces the challenge of living up to his new status as the face of French and Parisian football. Even while recovering from injury—“It’s better, I’ll be back soon,” he reassured—he is seen as central to PSG’s ambitions. His triumph, achieved over the rising star Yamal, cements his legacy as the club’s first Ballon d’Or winner and gives fans a symbol of resilience and glory, but it also raises the stakes for what comes next in Paris.
