By Emmanuel Kwada
In a night of tears, triumphs, and tantalizing what-ifs, Ousmane Dembélé etched his name into football immortality, clinching the 2025 Ballon d’Or with a performance that transformed a journeyman winger into the world’s undisputed maestro. The 28-year-old Paris Saint-Germain forward edged out Barcelona’s prodigious 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal, capping a season of redemption that saw Dembélé orchestrate PSG’s historic treble while Yamal dazzled in a domestic hat-trick of his own.
At the Théâtre du Châtelet, under glittering lights and amid thunderous applause, Dembélé – presented the golden orb by his childhood idol Ronaldinho – fought back sobs as he accepted the honor.
“This is for my family, my coaches, and every doubter who said I couldn’t,” the Frenchman whispered, his voice cracking. Voted by global journalists on criteria blending individual flair, team glory, and fair play, Dembélé’s haul of 35 goals and 16 assists across 53 appearances proved decisive.
From a lethal hat-trick against Stuttgart to pivotal strikes dismantling Manchester City and Liverpool in the Champions League, he was the heartbeat of PSG’s inaugural European crown – a 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan in the final.
PSG’s dominance rippled through the gala: Club of the Year, with Luis Enrique nabbing the Johan Cruyff Trophy for his tactical wizardry post-Mbappé, and Gianluigi Donnarumma securing the Yashin for best goalkeeper. Teammate Vitinha slotted third overall, underscoring the Parisians’ collective firepower in Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and a Club World Cup final charge – a narrow loss to Chelsea in New Jersey.
Yamal, the La Masia marvel, bowed out graciously as runner-up, his wry smile masking disappointment amid chants for Dembélé. The Spaniard’s 28 goals and 22 assists propelled Barça to LaLiga, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa glory, plus a Nations League final heartbreak on penalties to Portugal.
Yet, a Champions League semifinal exit to Inter denied him the continental edge. “Second today, but first in my heart for what’s next,” Yamal posted on X, fresh off his unprecedented back-to-back Kopa Trophies as the world’s top U-21 talent.
Dembélé’s journey – from €135m Barcelona bust to €43.5m PSG bargain – symbolizes resilience. “He changed the game like a PlayStation wizard,” Enrique quipped. As Mohamed Salah (4th) and Raphinha (5th) rounded the top five, the award signals a new era: no Messi-Ronaldo duopoly, just raw, unpredictable excellence.
For Dembélé, sidelined by injury during PSG’s Monday Marseille clash, this Ballon isn’t an end – it’s ignition for World Cup dreams. Football’s golden boy has arrived, proving perseverance outshines prodigy.
