Ousmane Dembele: From bad boy to Ballon d'Or 2025

On the morning of September 23, Ousmane Dembele officially received the 2025 Golden Ball. To achieve this noble achievement, Dembele had to try very hard, including improving his playing technique, maintaining his form and eliminating his rebellious personality.

Dembele has to try very hard, including correcting his impulsive and unprofessional personality to be successful - Photo: REUTERS

Talent comes with a rebellious personality

Early in his career, Dembele quickly made a name for himself with his speed, technical ability and ability to handle the ball with both feet.

From Rennes to Dortmund, he was considered one of the most promising talents in both French and world football. But along with that talent was an impulsive and unprofessional personality. The climax was when he skipped training to put pressure, demanding to leave Dortmund at all costs to join Barcelona.

Dembele is constantly injured while playing for Barcelona - Photo: Screenshot

After fulfilling his dream, Dembele entered a new chapter but also full of ups and downs. With a huge transfer fee, he brought with him great expectations but continuously struggled with injuries at Barcelona.

At that time, criticism of Dembele's attitude and lack of discipline began to surround him. Many people did not hesitate to judge, predicting a "blooming and fading" career for the young French talent.

Career turning point

While his career was on the brink, his personal life brought the biggest turning point for Dembele. After getting married at the end of 2021, Dembele seemed to have found a new source of motivation. Married life has helped him mature and be more responsible, not only for his family but also for his career.

The change in perception has been accompanied by incredible self-efforts: Dembele has improved his physicality, worked on weaknesses in his playing style, and completely changed his attitude.

Dembele's wedding ceremony took place according to Islamic rituals - Photo: Screenshot

Positive signs began to appear. In the 2021-2022 season, he returned strongly and became the "king of assists" in La Liga, showing that his potential was never lost.

But the real turning point in his career came in the summer of 2023, when he returned home to France and joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

Peak with PSG

Dembele has an explosive 2024-2025 season with PSG - Photo: REUTERS

Under the guidance of coach Luis Enrique at PSG, Dembele has found his best form. He is not only a player with technique and speed, but also a true warrior, always ready to contribute and make a difference on the pitch.

The 2024-2025 season will be Dembele's peak. He scored 35 goals and assisted 16 times in 53 matches, becoming an irreplaceable leader to help PSG create a historic treble: winning Ligue 1, the French Cup and especially the first UEFA Champions League title in the club's history.

With a brilliant performance, Dembele surpassed strong opponents such as Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) and teammate Vitinha (PSG) to win the World Golden Ball. He became the 6th French player in history to achieve this noble title, alongside legends such as Zidane and Benzema.

Dembele's victory is not only a recognition of talent, but also a great lesson in perseverance and effort. Dembele has proven that he can transform from a "bad boy" who was drowning in trouble, to become the best player in the world at the age of 28.

TUAN LONG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/ousmane-dembele-tu-cau-be-hu-den-qua-bong-vang-2025-20250923094259746.htm