Paris, September 23 (HS): Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé has won football’s most prestigious individual accolade, the 2025 Ballon d’Or, after spearheading his club’s historic Champions League triumph last season.

The 28-year-old Frenchman outshone Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal to capture the crown, succeeding Manchester City’s Spanish midfielder Rodri, who claimed the award in 2024.

Dembélé, a former Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona star, was also part of France’s 2018 World Cup-winning squad. In the 2024-25 campaign, he netted 35 goals across competitions, driving PSG to their first-ever UEFA Champions League title while also delivering a Ligue 1 and French Cup double—marking a golden chapter in the club’s history.

An emotional Dembélé said after receiving the award, “I truly have no words. This season with PSG was unbelievable. While this is an individual trophy, it was truly won by the entire team. The Ballon d’Or was never my personal goal, but I worked tirelessly to win the Champions League.”

He thanked PSG coach Luis Enrique, whom he described as “like a father,” for his guidance and trust.

The ceremony also honoured 18-year-old Lamine Yamal, who was awarded the Kopa Trophy—presented to the best player under 21—for the second consecutive year. The prodigious forward, who made his senior debut for Barcelona in 2023, was a teammate of Dembélé during his early days at the Catalan club.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar