Watch: Ousmane Dembélé Wins Ballon d’Or After Stellar Season With PSG

French forward Ousmane Dembélé capped off a remarkable season with Paris Saint-Germain by claiming the most prestigious individual honor in world football—the Ballon d’Or. The 27-year-old broke down in tears as he accepted the award, which many thought would go to Spain’s teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal.

For Dembélé, the moment marked the culmination of a career once clouded by doubts and setbacks. Labeled in his early years as a player of “unrealized potential,” the winger’s move to Barcelona in 2017 never quite lived up to expectations. But since his transfer to PSG in 2023, he has flourished into one of Europe’s most dangerous attackers, finally fulfilling the promise that had long surrounded his name.

An Emotional Acceptance Speech

On stage in Paris, Dembélé struggled to hold back his emotions. “What I have just experienced is exceptional, I have no words for it,” he said after receiving the trophy from football icon Ronaldinho. “Winning this trophy is not easy, and to have it presented to me by a legend makes it even more special. I want to thank PSG, who brought me here in 2023. This club is an incredible family.”

He went on to praise PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, describing him as “like a father,” and extended similar gratitude to head coach Luis Enrique and his teammates for their unwavering support. “This award belongs to them as much as it does to me,” he added.

Matters as well 🥺🌕 #ballondor pic.twitter.com/Jsxpl5QV9d

— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) September 22, 2025

A Season of Outstanding Numbers

Dembélé’s Ballon d’Or win was built on an extraordinary 2023/24 campaign across all competitions. In Ligue 1 alone, he scored 21 goals in 20 matches and provided six assists, establishing himself as PSG’s attacking heartbeat. His Champions League performances were equally decisive, with eight goals and six assists in 13 appearances, helping PSG lift the trophy for the first time since 1995.

In the Coupe de France, he delivered three goals and an assist in just three outings, ensuring PSG’s dominance on the domestic front. Altogether, Dembélé racked up an impressive 35 goals and 14 assists in 2023/24, his most prolific season to date.