The elevation of Ousmane Dembélé to Ballon d’Or 2025 victor wasn’t a celebration of goals and assists alone. It was a testament to resilience, tactical acumen, and a campaign that redefined his legacy. Having spent years fighting injury and inconsistency, the Paris Saint-Germain forward produced a campaign so complete, so clutch, and so authoritative that his victory felt as much deserved as it did inevitable.

That is why Dembélé surpassed the others and why his name will now be remembered among football’s all-time greats.

1. A Historic Season with PSG

Dembélé was instrumental in PSG’s most successful campaign to date. The team earned a domestic treble—taking Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and their inaugural UEFA Champions League title. In all competitions, Dembélé accumulated 35 goals and 16 assists in 53 games, tallying the most goal contributions for PSG.

His displays weren’t merely reliable, they were crucial. From knockout-stage heroics in Europe to match-winning interventions in domestic finals, Dembélé was the game-changer when the moment called for him most.

2. Tactical Adaptation Under Luis Enrique

With PSG manager Luis Enrique, Dembélé’s game transformed from that of a flashy winger to that of an attacking forward all-around. He was employed in different positions, adapted to different formations, and became PSG’s playmaker in attack. His ability to stretch defense lines, link play, and deliver in critical moments was evidence of a maturity that had eluded his game for years.

3. Clutch Performances in Europe

Ballon d’Or voters tend to hold Champions League performances in high regard, and Dembélé obliged in abundance. He scored or set up each of PSG’s last six games in the competition, including a decisive goal against Arsenal in the semifinals and two assists in the final against Inter Milan.

These were more than just numbers. These were psychological breakthroughs. PSG’s turnaround against Manchester City, ignited by Dembélé’s goal, changed the club’s European story from chronic underachievers to champions.

4. Redemption and Resilience

Few have endured as much criticism as Dembélé did. Injuries, misses, and questions over professionalism haunted him for years. But rather than wither away, he came back fighting—rebuilding his body, sharpening his game, and proving himself on the biggest platforms.

His passionate speech during the Ballon d’Or ceremony told this story. He expressed gratitude to his family, coaches, and teammates for having faith in him when no one else did.

5. Outperforming the Competition

While Lamine Yamal stunned with precocious brilliance and Vitinha impressed with midfield dominance, Dembélé’s numbers, trophies, and impact gave him the superiority. He topped PSG in goal involvements, featured prominently in every major final, and came good when it mattered most.

The Complete Rankings

The official rankings had Dembélé at number one, followed by:

1. Ousmane Dembélé (France, PSG)
   
   
2. Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)
   
   
3. Vitinha (Portugal, PSG)
   
   
4. Mohamed Salah (Egypt, Liverpool)
   
   
5. Raphinha (Brazil, Barcelona)
   
   
6. Achraf Hakimi (Morocco, PSG)
   
   
7. Kylian Mbappé (France, Real Madrid)
   
   
8. Cole Palmer (England, Chelsea)
   
   
9. Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy, PSG)
   
   
10. Nuno Mendes (Portugal, PSG)