Photo Credit: Ousmane Dembélé/Instagram
Ousmane Dembélé has ascended to the pinnacle of global football. Following a remarkable campaign with Paris Saint-Germain-boasting 33 goals, 12 assists, and securing four major trophies-the French winger has been honored with the 2025 Men’s Ballon d’Or, football’s most coveted individual accolade.
Sharing moments from the award ceremony on social media, Dembélé expressed, “Beaucoup de joie, de fierté et d’émotion. Un rêve devenu réalité. Merci à tous ceux qui m’ont toujours soutenu tout au long de ce parcours,” which means, “Overflowing with happiness, pride, and emotion. A dream realized. Heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported me throughout this journey.”
Discovering the Man Behind the Trophy: Five Intriguing Insights
For those new to Dembélé’s story, here are five captivating facts about the Ballon d’Or champion that highlight his journey and character:
His Heritage Bridges West African Nations
Although Dembélé was born and raised in France, his lineage is richly tied to West Africa. His father hails from Mali, while his mother’s roots trace back to Mauritania and Senegal. The influence of his family, especially his mother Fatimata, was instrumental in his early development-guiding decisions like relocating to Rennes and keeping him grounded as his career flourished.
Mastery with Both Feet Sets Him Apart
Dembélé’s ambidexterity on the field is one of his defining traits. Whether weaving through defenders from the flank, unleashing shots from afar, or delivering precise assists, his ability to skillfully use either foot keeps opponents guessing and enhances his threat level during matches.
Faith Plays a Central Role in His Life
A devout Muslim, Dembélé’s spirituality has been a cornerstone throughout his career. Following France’s 2018 World Cup triumph, he generously donated his prize money to fund the construction of a mosque in his mother’s hometown in southern Mauritania. Known for praying before games, he has also competed while observing fasting during Ramadan.
Once Ranked as the World’s Second Most Expensive Footballer
When Barcelona acquired Dembélé from Borussia Dortmund in 2017 for a staggering fee exceeding £135 million, he became the second priciest player in history at that time. Despite injury setbacks early on, he still netted 40 goals for Barça before transferring to PSG.
Historic Feats from Champions League to Ligue 1
This season, Dembélé etched his name in PSG’s history books by scoring hat-tricks in back-to-back official matches-first in a Champions League clash against Stuttgart, then in a Ligue 1 game versus Brest-marking a first for any player at the club.
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