Dembele crowned king: PSG star wins Ballon d’Or

Dembele wins Ballon d’Or

Dhaka, September 23 — Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele has won the prestigious Ballon d’Or, capping a sensational season that saw him lead PSG to their first-ever Champions League title. The 28-year-old forward beat out Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal for the top honor, which was awarded at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on Monday.

A historic season for Dembele and PSG

Dembele was instrumental in PSG’s historic season, which also saw them lift the Ligue 1 and Coupe de France trophies. The French international scored an impressive 35 goals and provided 16 assists in 53 appearances across all competitions.

His explosive form was crucial for the treble-winning side, especially after Kylian Mbappe’s departure to Real Madrid, as Dembele seamlessly transitioned into a more central attacking role.

He succeeds Manchester City’s Rodri as the men’s player of the year, an award administered by France Football and decided by a vote of international journalists. The criteria for the award include individual performance, team achievements, and a player’s class and fair play.

From Barcelona to Ballon d’Or

Dembele’s victory marks a remarkable turnaround for the forward, who struggled to meet expectations during his six seasons at Barcelona after a high-profile €100 million move in 2017. However, since his €50 million transfer to PSG in 2023, he has flourished under coach Luis Enrique, establishing himself as one of the world’s elite players.

“Thank you all,” an emotional Dembele said upon receiving the award from legendary player Ronaldinho. “What just happened to me is incredible. I’m speechless. It’s been an amazing season with PSG... I want to thank PSG for signing me in 2023. The president, the entire team, and the club. They are a wonderful family.”

He also credited Luis Enrique, saying the coach “is like a father to me” and has been “very important to my career.”

Other awards at the ceremony

The ceremony also celebrated other standout performers from the past season:

• Lamine Yamal, 18, who had a brilliant season with Barcelona, was awarded the Kopa Trophy for second time for the best under-21 male player.

• Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati won her third consecutive Ballon d’Or Feminin, joining an exclusive club alongside Michel Platini and Lionel Messi.

• Vicky Lopez of Barcelona was named the best under-21 female player.

• The Gerd Müller trophy for the season’s top goal scorers went to Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres and Barcelona’s Ewa Pajor.

• Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG/Italy) and Hannah Hampton (Chelsea) were named the best goalkeepers, receiving the Yashin Trophy and Lev Yashin Trophy, respectively.

• The Johan Cruyff trophies for best coaches were awarded to PSG’s Luis Enrique and England women’s team manager, Sarina Wiegman. - UNB