Ousmane Dembele has firmly established himself as one of the frontrunners for the 2025 Ballon d’Or following a sensational 2024–2025 campaign with Paris Saint-Germain. The French winger delivered a season to remember, guiding PSG to multiple major trophies and cementing his reputation as one of the most influential players in world football.
This year marks a remarkable comeback in Dembele’s career, showcasing not just his incredible skill but also his consistency and leadership on the pitch. Acting as the heartbeat of PSG’s attacking line, his contributions have caught the attention of football analysts and fans across the globe. The burning question now is: Can Ousmane Dembele truly win the 2025 Ballon d’Or?
Historic Achievements Fueling His Ballon d’Or Chances
PSG’s triumphant season, which included winning Ligue 1, the UEFA Champions League, and the UEFA Super Cup, has dramatically boosted Dembele’s chances of claiming football’s most prestigious individual award. With stellar performances and match-winning moments throughout the season, he has built a strong case for himself.
Multiple top European sports outlets now rank Dembele as the favorite to lift the Ballon d’Or, ahead of other global superstars. He is among the final 30 nominees announced for the award, and should he win, he would join a rare list of players outside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to claim the trophy in the past 17 years—a shift that could mark the start of a new era in football.
Dominance with Paris Saint-Germain in 2024–2025
Under manager Luis Enrique, PSG delivered one of the most successful campaigns in the club’s history, and Dembele was at the center of it all. The team once again secured the Ligue 1 title, underlining their dominance in French football.
The crown jewel of PSG’s season came on May 31, 2025, when they lifted the Champions League trophy for the first time in the club’s history after a stunning 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the final. This achievement not only made history for PSG but also significantly elevated Dembele’s chances of securing the Ballon d’Or, as Champions League success has long been a decisive factor in award voting.
Adding to their glory, PSG also claimed the Coupe de France and the Trophée des Champions, completing their first continental treble and an unprecedented quadruple in all competitions.
The winning didn’t stop there—just before the start of the new season, PSG edged Tottenham Hotspur in the 2025 UEFA Super Cup, winning 4-3 on penalties after a dramatic 2-2 draw. Dembele’s brilliance earned him the Player of the Match award, following his earlier recognition as the UEFA Champions League Player of the Season.
Standout Individual Statistics
Dembele’s numbers in 2024–2025 speak volumes about his influence. He finished joint top scorer in Ligue 1 with 21 goals, sharing the spot with Mason Greenwood. Across all competitions, he netted 35 goals and provided 16 assists, proving he is not only a lethal finisher but also a creative force.
His performances were especially crucial in high-stakes matches, earning him back-to-back accolades as Best Player in the Champions League and Best Player in the Super Cup. These honors strengthen his argument for being football’s best player this year.
The Challenge from Lamine Yamal
While Dembele is currently leading the race, competition for the 2025 Ballon d’Or remains fierce. One of his strongest challengers is Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s rising star, who delivered an outstanding season of his own.
The 18-year-old forward recorded 9 goals and 13 assists in 35 La Liga appearances, helping Barcelona secure a domestic treble under new manager Hansi Flick. However, their failure in European competitions—most notably in the Champions League—could hurt Yamal’s chances in the Ballon d’Or voting.
In contrast, Dembele’s Champions League triumph gives him a crucial advantage. Historically, European glory has often tipped the scales in the Ballon d’Or race, and this year may be no different.
Final Verdict: A Golden Opportunity for Dembele
If the Ballon d’Or were decided today, Ousmane Dembele would be the clear favorite. His mix of technical brilliance, game-changing performances, and historic team achievements in 2024–2025 make him the standout candidate.
Should he lift the award, Dembele would not only etch his name into football history but also inspire a generation of players aiming to break the Messi-Ronaldo era of dominance. With the voting still to come, the world will be watching closely as the Frenchman’s golden season unfolds into football’s ultimate individual honor.
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