Oloruntobi Alabi
Paris Saint-Germain’s dynamic winger, Ousmane Dembele, made history on Monday by securing the prestigious 2025 Ballon d’Or, cementing his place among football’s elite.
Dembele surpassed fierce competition from rising star Lamine Yamal, Liverpool’s Mo Salah, Barcelona’s Raphinha, and other top talents to claim the honor.
In an emotional acceptance speech, the French international paid tribute to football icons Ronaldinho, Andres Iniesta, and his former coach Luis Enrique for their influence on his career.
Standing beside Ronaldinho, who presented the trophy, Dembele praised the Brazilian legend, calling the moment a dream come true.
The 28-year-old also shared heartfelt words for Luis Enrique, referring to him as a father figure, and credited Iniesta for shaping his game during their time together at Barcelona.
“This is surreal—an unforgettable year with PSG and the culmination of an incredible journey,” Dembele reflected.
“To receive this award from Ronaldinho, a player I idolized, is beyond words. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for everyone who believed in me.”
“Thank you, PSG, for trusting me in 2023. President Nasser has been like family. The entire club, the staff, and especially Luis Enrique—who pushed me to new heights—deserve this recognition.”
“This trophy isn’t just mine; it belongs to my teammates. Together, we conquered nearly every challenge, proving greatness is a collective effort.”
“I also owe so much to Dortmund, Rennes, and Barcelona—where I lived my dream and learned from legends like Iniesta and Messi.”
2025 Ballon d’Or Ranking:
10th: Nuno Mendes
9th: Gianluigi Donnarumma
8th: Cole Palmer
7th: Kylian Mbappe
6th: Achraf Hakimi
5th: Raphinha
4th: Mohamed Salah
3rd: Vitinha
2nd: Lamine Yamal
1st: Ousmane Dembele
Omotayo Fashola
