After a turbulent stint at Barcelona marked by frequent injuries, Ousmane Dembele‘s future seemed uncertain. Yet, his move to Paris Saint-Germain has revitalized his career, culminating in him winning the coveted 2025 Ballon d’Or injury-free. His transformation didn’t go unnoticed, as Kylian Mbappe, both his compatriot and friend, addressed the topic publicly, drawing significant attention from fans and analysts alike.
In a heartfelt Instagram story, Mbappe quickly reached out to congratulate Dembele on securing the 2025 Ballon d’Or. The Real Madrid standout shared a sincere message, stating, “It’s all about emotions, bro. You deserve 1000 times more.”
From prodigy to paradox, Mbappe’s career started with Ballon d’Or aspirations at just 16. Fast forward ten years and the prestigious trophy remains out of reach. At 26, Mbappe has yet to win a Ballon d’Or. Meanwhile, Dembele, once seen as a likely candidate for decline, defied expectations by securing the coveted award first. Their contrasting journeys highlight both the unpredictable nature and the enduring intrigue of elite soccer.
Amid strong competition from Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, Dembele emerged as the frontrunner for the Ballon d’Or. His pivotal role in PSG‘s triumph in the UEFA Champions League and three additional titles underscored his immense value. Demonstrating remarkable form, Dembele netted 35 goals and recorded 16 assists across 53 matches, ranking him fourth in total goal contributions.
Ousmane Dembele #10 of Paris Saint-Germain celebrates scoring a goal.
How did the top 5 of the 2025 Ballon d’Or look after Dembele’s stunning victory?
Dembele clinched the 2025 Ballon d’Or, edging out formidable contenders Mohamed Salah, Raphinha, Vitinha, and Lamine Yamal. Initially, the Egyptian appeared to be the favorite, but his team’s early exit from the Champions League tarnished his prospects. Same as Yamal and Raphinha, who encountered similar setbacks despite their stellar seasons. Nonetheless, all of them secured spots in the top five of this prestigious award’s rankings.
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Ousmane Dembele wins Ballon d’Or at 28: How many had Messi and Ronaldo won at his age?
| # | Player’s name |
| 1. | Ousmane Dembele |
| 2. | Lamine Yamal |
| 3. | Vitinha |
| 4. | Mohamed Salah |
| 5. | Raphinha |
