Ousmane Dembélé’s 2024/25 season is being hailed as one of the finest in modern football. The Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star not only led his club to an unprecedented treble—winning Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and the UEFA Champions League—but also emerged as a strong contender for the prestigious Ballon d’Or. With 33 goals and 15 assists across 50 matches, Dembélé has firmly established himself as one of football’s elite players.
A Season to Remember
Having joined PSG in August 2023 from FC Barcelona, Dembélé quickly became the cornerstone of Luis Enrique’s squad. His 2024/25 campaign saw him score 33 goals and provide 15 assists in 3,318 minutes of play, according to Goal. His stellar performances in the Champions League were particularly noteworthy, where he contributed 14 goal involvements—scoring eight and assisting six—helping PSG lift the coveted trophy.
PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi has been vocal about his admiration for Dembélé, stating before PSG’s Club World Cup quarter-final match against Bayern Munich on July 5th, 2025, that “no one deserves the Ballon d’Or more than Ousmane.” Al-Khelaïfi cited Dembélé’s contributions to PSG’s treble-winning season as the primary reason for his confidence, as reported by FC Barcelona Noticias.
The Competition for the Ballon d’Or
While Dembélé’s season was extraordinary, the competition for the Ballon d’Or remains fierce. Barcelona’s young prodigy Lamine Yamal and Brazilian winger Raphinha are also in the running. Both players had exceptional seasons, with Yamal tallying 18 goals and 25 assists and Raphinha recording 34 goals and 25 assists. Despite their individual brilliance, Barcelona’s semi-final exit in the Champions League may work against them, while Dembélé’s team achievements bolster his case.
According to a May 2025 ranking by Score90, Yamal was leading the Ballon d’Or race, followed by Dembélé and Raphinha. However, Al-Khelaïfi has dismissed these rankings, stating that if Dembélé doesn’t win, “there is a problem with the Ballon d’Or,” as noted by Goal.
Beyond Individual Glory
Despite the individual accolades being within reach, Dembélé remains focused on team success. Speaking to beIN Sports on July 5th, 2025, he admitted, “I’m thinking about [the Ballon d’Or]. I know that, with the season I’ve had, I’m not far, but I am focused on the [team] objectives before thinking about myself.”
Under Luis Enrique’s guidance, Dembélé has reached new heights, proving instrumental not just in scoring but also in creating opportunities for his teammates. Among his PSG colleagues, only Bradley Barcola, who registered 18 assists, and Achraf Hakimi came close to matching his creative output. Dembélé’s ability to balance individual brilliance with team contributions has set him apart in the eyes of fans and analysts alike.
Looking Ahead
As the football world eagerly awaits the Ballon d’Or ceremony on September 22nd, 2025, Dembélé’s chances appear strong. His combination of individual statistics, team success, and leadership on the field makes him a standout candidate. Whether he clinches the award or not, one thing is clear: Ousmane Dembélé has solidified his place among football’s greats.
The journey of Ousmane Dembélé from Barcelona to Paris and his rise to stardom is a testament to his resilience and talent. As the Ballon d’Or debate heats up, fans and pundits alike can only marvel at the incredible season he’s had.