Ousmane Dembélé Wins Ballon d’Or After Career Transformation
From Doubts to Glory: Dembélé Fulfills His Promise
“When used properly, he could become the best player in the world.” Those were the words of former Barcelona coach Xavi back in 2021, describing Ousmane Dembélé’s untapped potential. At the time, many doubted him. Injuries, inconsistency, and questions about his professionalism left fans wondering if the €135.5m signing from Borussia Dortmund in 2017 would ever justify his price tag.
Fast forward to 2025, and at 28 years old, Dembélé has silenced critics by winning football’s most prestigious individual honor — the Ballon d’Or. His emotional speech in Paris, where he thanked his family and broke down in tears, reflected the rollercoaster journey that brought him here.
A Historic Season with Paris Saint-Germain
Dembélé’s 2024-25 campaign was nothing short of extraordinary. Leading Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to a historic treble — Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and the Champions League — he proved himself one of the deadliest forwards in world football.
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Goals: 35
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Assists: 14
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Total Contributions: 51
He even helped PSG reach the Club World Cup final, cementing his role as the team’s new talisman. By the turn of the year, Dembélé was statistically Europe’s most in-form forward.
His achievements stand tall, considering the competition. He edged past Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé, and Barcelona’s young star Lamine Yamal — all of whom had incredible seasons of their own.
Life After Mbappé: Dembélé Steps Up
Ironically, it was Kylian Mbappé’s departure to Real Madrid that unlocked Dembélé’s transformation at PSG. With manager Luis Enrique urging him to be more selfish and goal-hungry, Dembélé thrived in a new false nine role, giving him freedom to both create and finish chances.
His 35 goals were 21 more than his previous best season, a leap that showcased his new mentality. For years, coaches told him that if he converted even a fraction of his chances, individual awards would follow. In 2025, that prediction became reality.
Overcoming Injuries and Growing Up
For much of his Barcelona career, Dembélé’s story was one of wasted potential. He endured 14 separate muscle injuries, spending over 780 days sidelined. His love for late-night gaming often affected training punctuality, and Barcelona eventually had to assign him personal chefs to improve his discipline.
But the turning point wasn’t just football. In December 2021, Dembélé quietly married Rima in Morocco and later welcomed his first child. Fatherhood brought maturity and stability. He hired a personal nutritionist, worked consistently with physiotherapists, and began taking his health more seriously.
The Rise of a World’s Best
Once considered a frustrating enigma, Dembélé is now the player Xavi envisioned — a global superstar with speed, skill, and consistency. Winning the Ballon d’Or proves not just his talent, but his resilience.
For years, many believed PSG’s path to European glory depended on Kylian Mbappé. Instead, it was Ousmane Dembélé who stepped forward, leading his club and country into a new era — and earning recognition as the best footballer in the world.