Ousmane Dembele Wins 2025 Ballon d’Or, Beats Lamine Yamal

For over a decade and a half, the Ballon d’Or was dominated by two names: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Their brilliance on the football pitch made them almost untouchable in the race for the prestigious award, and every year, discussions revolved around who would edge out whom. However, times have changed. In 2025, both Messi and Ronaldo find themselves in the twilight of their careers and, for the first time in years, were not even on the shortlist for the Ballon d’Or. This year, the spotlight shifted to a younger generation, with the debate centered on two players in particular: Lamine Yamal of Barcelona and Ousmane Dembele of Paris Saint-Germain. While both were exceptional throughout the season, it was Dembele who ultimately clinched the Ballon d’Or, edging out the young Spanish winger.

Ousmane Dembele was presented with the 2025 Ballon d’Or by France Football at a glittering ceremony in Paris on the night of Monday, September 22. At 28 years of age, the PSG forward claimed the prestigious award for the first time in his career, becoming the sixth French footballer to achieve this honor. Previous French winners include legends such as Raymond Kopa, Michel Platini, Jean-Pierre Papin, Zinedine Zidane, and Karim Benzema. Dembele’s triumph reflects both his outstanding individual performances and his contribution to his club’s success over the past season.

Many football pundits and fans had tipped Dembele as the frontrunner for this year’s award, and his statistics certainly justified the hype. Last season, he played a pivotal role in PSG’s campaigns across multiple competitions, helping the club secure the Champions League, Ligue 1, and French Cup titles. In addition, he scored the decisive goal in the French Super Cup, a one-match contest that determined the domestic titleholder. Over the course of the season, Dembele played 53 matches across all competitions, scoring 35 goals and providing 16 assists. His ability to perform consistently at the highest level and contribute in crucial moments helped him stand out in a competitive field.

However, Dembele’s path to the Ballon d’Or was not without challenges. Lamine Yamal, the 18-year-old Spanish winger, had an exceptional season for Barcelona, contributing significantly to their La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Spanish Super Cup victories. Yamal’s stats were impressive: 18 goals and 25 assists in 55 matches, demonstrating his talent, consistency, and impact on the pitch. Many football enthusiasts believed he had a strong chance of winning the award, and his performances brought a new wave of excitement around young talents in Europe. Ultimately, though, it was Dembele’s combination of skill, experience, and silverware that gave him the edge over Yamal.

The moment of receiving the Ballon d’Or was highly emotional for Dembele. As he walked onto the stage, he first addressed his mother, who was sitting among the guests. “We did this together,” he said, visibly moved, before breaking into tears. The host, Kate Scott, invited his mother to join him on stage, and the young forward became even more emotional. After collecting himself, Dembele thanked PSG for signing him in 2023 and praised his teammates for their collective efforts. “This is not a personal trophy,” he said. “It’s an achievement for all of us.” His humility and acknowledgment of the team spirit resonated with everyone present.

Interestingly, many of Dembele’s PSG teammates were unable to witness the ceremony live, as they were playing a league match at Marseille’s stadium the same evening. Even though they lost 1-0, the Ballon d’Or victory was a moment of immense pride for the club. Dembele’s win not only marked a personal milestone but also highlighted the rise of a new generation of football stars ready to carry the legacy forward, ushering in a new era beyond Messi and Ronaldo.