The Stats That Back Him Up

The race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or has two clear names: Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembélé. The Frenchman, however, comes with the advantage of delivering both individually and collectively in a historic season. He was the key figure for a PSG side that finally conquered the Champions League.

With 33 goals and 13 assists, Dembélé not only won the Ligue 1 Golden Boot (21 goals), but was also named Champions League Player of the Season, scoring eight goals and adding six assists in 15 matches. A campaign that made him PSG’s most decisive player ever in Europe.

Impact on Big Matches

Dembélé’s year was also about unforgettable moments. From his stunning goal in the Champions League final to decisive strikes against Bayern Munich and Real Madrid in the Club World Cup, he showed character when it mattered most.

Shifted into a central role by Luis Enrique, he became PSG’s first presser and counterattacking weapon, cementing his tactical importance. At 28, he led the attack of a team that, after decades of investment, finally reached the top of Europe.

Can He Win It?

The debate with Yamal is fierce, but Dembélé’s case is clear. Winning the first-ever French “poker” (Ligue 1, Cup, Champions League and Super Cup) while being the offensive leader makes him the natural choice.

Not awarding him this year would, for many, go against the essence of football as a team sport. His season was perfect, his stats historic, his impact undeniable. While the future may belong to Yamal, the present is all about Ousmane Dembélé.