 |
| Paris Saint-Germain's French forward Ousmane Dembele reacts receiving the Ballon d'Or award during the 2025 Ballon d'Or France Football award ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on September 22, 2025. (Photo by Franck FIFE / AFP) |
When Ousmane Dembele joined Barcelona from Borussia Dortmund in 2017 for an initial €105m (rising to €147m with add-ons), he was hailed as one of Europe’s brightest young talents. Fresh from helping Dortmund lift the German Cup, where he scored in the final, he was handed Neymar’s old No. 11 shirt at Camp Nou and tipped for stardom.
His debut hinted at promise setting up a goal as a substitute but his first La Liga start ended in misfortune. A torn hamstring sidelined him for four months, setting the tone for a career at Barcelona plagued by injuries.
Years of Frustration in Spain
Across six seasons with Barça, Dembele collected three La Liga titles and two Copa del Rey medals, but persistent fitness issues prevented him from cementing his place. According to FourFourTwo, he suffered at least 14 muscle injuries during his time in Catalonia, missing nearly 800 days of football.
Reflecting on that period, Dembele admitted he endured “three or four unlucky years with injuries.” Each recovery seemed to be followed by another setback, and by 2023, Barcelona chose to move him on, agreeing a £43.5m transfer to Paris Saint-Germain.
Revival in Paris
The move proved a turning point. At PSG, Dembele rediscovered the form that had once made him Europe’s hottest prospect. In the 2024/25 season, he scored 35 goals in 53 appearances, inspiring the club to a historic treble that included Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and their first-ever Champions League triumph.
He finished the league campaign with 21 goals and eight assists in 29 games, while adding eight goals in the Champions League many of them decisive in the knockout rounds. His exploits culminated in the 2025 Ballon d’Or, edging out Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal.
An Emotional Triumph
Receiving the award in Paris, Dembele was visibly emotional:
“What just happened to me is incredible. I’m speechless. It’s been an amazing season with PSG. I’ve experienced incredible things, and I’m a little nervous it’s not easy.”
Calling the honour “truly exceptional,” especially as it was presented by Ronaldinho, he credited PSG’s management and teammates for their support. He reserved special praise for coach Luis Enrique, describing him as “like a father” who helped him rediscover his best level.
For Dembele, the 2025 Ballon d’Or is not just recognition of a remarkable season it is the crowning moment of a career once defined by setbacks, now reborn in triumph.
Post a Comment