This is the first time in his career that 28-year-old striker Ousmane Dembele has touched the most prestigious individual award in world football - the "Golden Ball", concluding a brilliant year of playing with Paris Saint-Germain and the French team.
The core of PSG's "quadruple"
In the 2025 Ballon d'Or vote, Dembele surpassed "heavyweight" opponents such as Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Vitinha (PSG), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) and Raphinha (Barcelona)... in the Top 5 players receiving the most votes. The achievement of winning the Champions League and explosive performance were the decisive factors that helped Dembele be favored by international journalists.
Dembele surpassed many strong competitors to win the "Golden Ball 2025"
In the 2024-2025 season, Dembele is PSG's brightest star. He contributed to 35 goals and 16 assists in all competitions, and was an important factor in helping the Parisian capital team win the "quadruple" of Ligue 1 championship titles, French Super Cup, French National Cup and especially the Champions League - the title that PSG has been waiting for more than half a century.
In the Champions League final, Dembele not only led PSG's play but also provided two assists, helping PSG defeat Inter Milan 5-0. His consistent performance from the group stage to the final, including 8 goals and 6 assists in 15 matches, helped Dembele win the title of "Best Player of the Champions League 2024-2025".
A worthy reward
Having struggled with injuries at Barcelona, Dembélé is seen as an example of resilience. He came back strong, maintained his fitness throughout the season and became a symbol of perseverance. The 2025 Ballon d'Or not only recognized the talent but also affirmed the extraordinary effort of the French striker.
Dembele shines in PSG's memorable season
No longer the inconsistent player he was at Barcelona, Dembele has become an extremely dangerous explosive player under Luis Enrique. His technique, speed and tactical awareness have all improved significantly.
Dembele has contributed significantly to goals and assists in all competitions, including many important goals in the Champions League - where PSG won the title for the first time. He is also one of the most consistent players in Ligue 1 and is the "tactical weapon" that Enrique cannot do without when leading PSG to the final of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
Dembele - Best Player of Champions League 2024-2025
Kylian Mbappe's move to Real Madrid in the summer of 2024 made many people doubt PSG's attacking strength. However, from that very turn, Dembele rose up. He not only filled the technical gap but also played the role of spiritual leader at PSG - something that was unfamiliar to a player who was labeled "unprofessional".
Dream high with the "Golden Ball"
The "Golden Ball" is not only for the player who scores the most goals and assists the most, but also for the player who has the greatest influence on the team's journey to glory. Dembele has done that. He does not need to be a "penalty killer" but instead is the one who unlocks the game, leads the attacking play and makes every defense fear.
PSG finished second in the FIFA Club World Cup, but Dembele's brilliant performances in the US tournament and other tournaments over the past year have been the springboard for him to soar. He was named "Champions League Player of the Year" and now the prestigious "Golden Ball".
France has the most Ballon d'Or winners in history, with Raymond Kopa, Michel Platini (3 times), Jean-Pierre Papin, Zinedine Zidane, Karim Benzema and Ousmane Dembele. Germany has had five winners (Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Muller, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Lothar Matthaus, Matthias Sammer) and Italy has the same number (Omar Sivori, Gianni Rivera, Paolo Rossi, Roberto Baggio, Fabio Cannavaro).
Since 1995, the "Golden Ball" has been awarded to players outside of Europe and Argentina is the only country other than France to own 8 of this noble title, with all 8 titles belonging to Lionel Messi.
Dembele joins the group of 10 players who have won the "Golden Ball" in addition to the Champions League and World Cup, including famous names such as Franz Beckenbauer, Paolo Rossi, Bobby Charlton, Rivaldo, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldinho, Kaka and Lionel Messi.
Source: https://nld.com.vn/ousmane-dembele-danh-hieu-qua-bong-vang-la-be-phong-su-nghiep-196250923072046729.htm
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