After a challenging time at Barcelona due to injuries, Ousmane Dembele found a new home at Paris Saint-Germain, where his career has seen a fresh start. He celebrated a significant milestone by winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or without any injuries. His achievements caught the attention of Kylian Mbappe, his friend and fellow player, who spoke out about Dembele’s success.
Kylian Mbappe shared a heartfelt Instagram story congratulating Dembele on the Ballon d’Or win. He expressed his happiness, saying, “It’s all about emotions, bro. You deserve 1000 times more.”
Mbappe’s journey began with hopes of winning the Ballon d’Or at just 16 years old, but ten years later, he has yet to achieve that goal. In contrast, Dembele, who was expected to decline, has surpassed expectations by winning the prestigious award first. Their differing paths highlight the unpredictability of top soccer.
Facing tough competition from players like Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, Ousmane Dembele secured the Ballon d’Or due to his crucial role in PSG’s UEFA Champions League victory and three additional titles. Dembele’s impressive performance saw him score 35 goals and provide 16 assists over 53 matches, placing him fourth in overall goal contributions.
Ousmane Dembele #10 of Paris Saint-Germain celebrates scoring a goal.
What did the top 5 look like for the 2025 Ballon d’Or?
Ousmane Dembele took home the 2025 Ballon d’Or, placing ahead of notable rivals like Mohamed Salah, Raphinha, Vitinha, and Lamine Yamal. Initially, Salah was seen as a strong contender, but his team’s early Champions League exit affected his chances. Lamine and Raphinha faced similar hurdles despite their excellent seasons. Nonetheless, all five players ranked among the top contenders for the award.
| # | Player’s name |
| 1. | Ousmane Dembele |
| 2. | Lamine Yamal |
| 3. | Vitinha |
| 4. | Mohamed Salah |
| 5. | Raphinha |