The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris promises to be one of the most exciting in years, and all eyes are on Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembélé,
who is widely tipped as the frontrunner for football’s most prestigious individual award.
Dembélé’s Remarkable Year
The French winger has enjoyed the best season of his career, playing a decisive role in PSG’s historic treble triumph — lifting Ligue 1,
the Coupe de France, and the UEFA Champions League.
He scored crucial goals in PSG’s run to the Champions League final.
His creativity, pace, and dribbling terrorized defences across Europe.
He registered double digits in both goals and assists across all competitions.
Dembélé has finally delivered on the potential he showed as a teenager at Rennes and Borussia Dortmund, proving himself as one of the world’s elite attackers.
Competition for the Award
While Dembélé is the favourite, he faces stiff competition:
Kylian Mbappé (PSG): Another stellar season, but overshadowed slightly by Dembélé’s decisive Champions League moments.
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool): The Egyptian had a record-breaking campaign in England, helping Liverpool win the Premier League.
Alexander Isak (Newcastle United): His 23-goal season and cup heroics earned him a surprise nomination.
Rodri (Manchester City): The midfield general remains one of the most consistent players in world football.
The French Connection
If Dembélé wins, he will join a legendary list of French Ballon d’Or winners, including Raymond Kopa,
Michel Platini, Jean-Pierre Papin, Zinedine Zidane, and Karim Benzema.
His victory would also reinforce PSG’s dominance on the global stage, following Lionel Messi’s win in 2021 while at the club.
Ceremony Details
📅 Date: Monday, September 29, 2025
📍 Venue: Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris
🎤 Presenter: Barcelona legend Ronaldinho is set to hand out the trophy.
Final Thoughts
After years of being plagued by inconsistency and injuries, Ousmane Dembélé looks set to claim football’s highest individual honour.
His story is one of persistence, redemption, and finally fulfilling the promise that once made him the most expensive teenager in football history.
If PSG’s No. 10 lifts the trophy on Monday night, it will not only mark the pinnacle of his career but also cement his legacy in French football history.