Paris Saint-Germain’s French forward, Ousmane Dembélé, claimed the 2025 Ballon d’Or at a glittering ceremony at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris on September 22, 2025. The gifted winger, long celebrated for his speed, dazzling dribbles and rare two-footed ability, has finally crowned his career with football’s most prestigious individual prize.
Here are ten things to know about the new Ballon d’Or holder:
1. Early Life
Born on May 15, 1997, in Vernon, France, Dembélé comes from a rich multicultural background with Mauritanian, Senegalese and Malian roots.
2. Early Football Path
He began playing football in local youth setups before joining the Rennes academy, where his flair and pace quickly set him apart.
3. Breakthrough at Rennes
Dembélé made his senior debut for Rennes in 2015 at just 18, scoring 12 goals in his first full season and drawing the attention of Europe’s elite clubs.
4. Borussia Dortmund Move
In 2016, he signed for Borussia Dortmund, developing further under coach Thomas Tuchel and helping the club lift the 2017 DFB-Pokal.
5. Record Transfer to Barcelona
After Neymar left for PSG, Barcelona paid over €100 million in 2017 to bring Dembélé to Camp Nou, making him one of the most expensive players in history.
6. Injury Battles
Despite his immense talent, repeated hamstring injuries hampered his time at Barcelona and sidelined him at key moments.
7. Titles and Silverware
He has collected multiple trophies, including La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup with Barcelona, as well as Ligue 1 honours with PSG.
8. World Cup Glory
Dembélé was part of the French squad that captured the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, helping his nation secure its second world title.
9. Unique Playing Style
Renowned for being genuinely two-footed, he can pass, shoot and dribble with either foot, making him a nightmare for defenders.
10. New Chapter at PSG
Dembélé returned to France in 2023 to join PSG, where he is seen as a key figure in the club’s post-Messi era, bringing both creativity and balance.
Dembélé beat Spain and Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal to claim the 2025 Ballon d’Or, confirming his place among football’s elite.
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