Football legend Ronaldinho officially handed the 2025 Ballon d’Or to Ousmane Dembélé, crowning the 28-year-old PSG winger as the World’s Best Player.
Dembélé, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain in France, achieved this historic honor after an extraordinary season where he combined brilliance, consistency, and leadership on the biggest stage. He received the award from Rodri, Manchester City’s Spanish midfield maestro and last year’s recipient.
A Record-Breaking Season
The PSG star was in unstoppable form during the 2024/25 campaign, scoring 37 goals and registering 17 assists in 60 appearances across all competitions. His performances were decisive in PSG’s historic treble, where the club lifted five trophies, including the Ligue 1 title and, most importantly, the UEFA Champions League.
The Podium
Behind Dembélé, Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s teenage sensation, secured second place after a stunning breakout season in La Liga and Europe. His teammate Raphinha completed the podium in third, underlining Barcelona’s attacking depth and resurgence in Spanish football.
The Moment of Glory
Dembélé’s victory marks the pinnacle of a career often marked by flashes of brilliance, injuries, and resilience. Now, at 28, he has finally fulfilled the immense promise that made him one of football’s most exciting prospects years ago.
Speaking after receiving the Ballon d’Or, Dembélé dedicated the award to his family, teammates, and fans, describing the moment as the “dream of a lifetime finally becoming reality.”