Dembele edge out Barcelona’s teenage prodigy win Ballon d’Or

France forward Ousmane Dembele was on Monday named the winner of the men’s Ballon d’Or, football’s most prestigious individual accolade, after inspiring Paris Saint-Germain to a historic Champions League triumph last season.

Dembele, 28, edged out Barcelona’s teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal at the ceremony in Paris, succeeding Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri, who claimed the award in 2024.

The former Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona winger enjoyed a stellar campaign, netting 35 goals across all competitions as PSG clinched a domestic league and cup double alongside their maiden Champions League title.

“I really don’t have the words. It was an incredible season with PSG,” said an emotional Dembele, who credited his coach Luis Enrique as “like a father.” He added, “This is an individual trophy, but it was truly the collective effort that made it possible.”

Dembele, a World Cup winner with France in 2018, was one of nine PSG players shortlisted for the award following the club’s record-breaking campaign.

Meanwhile, 18-year-old Yamal, once Dembele’s teammate at Barcelona, claimed the Kopa Trophy for the best player under 21 for a second consecutive year, underlining his rapid rise in world football.