By Aisha Muhammad Magaji
Historic Night in Paris
French winger Ousmane Dembélé has been awarded the 2025 Ballon d’Or, edging out Spanish teenager Lamine Yamal in what pundits describe as one of the closest votes in recent years. The ceremony, held in Paris on Monday, celebrated the best performers in global football over the past year.
Dembélé’s win comes after a stellar season with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), where he played a central role in the club’s Ligue 1 triumph and Champions League campaign. His pace, creativity, and improved consistency made him a standout for both club and country.
A Triumph for Perseverance
Dembélé’s journey to the pinnacle of world football has been marked by resilience. Once plagued by injuries during his time at Barcelona, the Frenchman has reinvented himself at PSG. His return to peak form coincided with France’s impressive run in the UEFA Euro 2024, where he was instrumental in their march to the final.
Analysts believe this victory also symbolizes a passing of the torch, as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s era has now given way to a new generation of stars.
Yamal’s Rising Star
Despite narrowly missing out, Lamine Yamal—just 18 years old—cemented his place as one of football’s brightest prospects. The Barcelona winger dazzled fans with his maturity, technical brilliance, and decisive contributions in both La Liga and Spain’s Euro 2024 campaign. Many believe his time to claim the Ballon d’Or is inevitable.
The Top Five
- Ousmane Dembélé (France, PSG)
- Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)
- Kylian Mbappé (France, Real Madrid)
- Erling Haaland (Norway, Manchester City)
- Vinícius Júnior (Brazil, Real Madrid)
Global Reactions
Fans and pundits alike have hailed Dembélé’s win as a testament to hard work and resilience. PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi described the victory as “a proud moment for the club and French football.” Meanwhile, Barcelona fans took to social media to praise Yamal’s rise, predicting he will dominate the award in coming years.
