PARIS: Ousmane Dembele made history when he was crowned the Ballon d’Or winner, beating out Barcelona star Lamine Yamal after a brilliant season that ended with Champions League success.
The 28-year-old Paris Saint Germain (PSG) striker scored 35 goals in 53 appearances in all competitions last season, helping the French club win the treble of Ligue 1, the French Cup and their inaugural Champions League title.
PSG also reached the Club World Cup final in the United States, but had to accept defeat to Chelsea.
Dembele, who is currently still struggling with injury and was not fielded against Marseille earlier this week, received the prestigious trophy at a glittering ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet, Paris, early this morning.
The Ballon d’Or, run by France Football magazine, is awarded to the world’s best player based on individual performance, team achievements and sportsmanship, as voted on by international journalists.
“Thank you all. What happened is truly incredible.
“I’m lost for words. My season with PSG has been amazing.
“More special, receiving this award from Ronaldinho is something unforgettable,” Dembele said in a tearful tone.
He also expressed his gratitude to PSG who signed him in 2023, including the club’s President, coaching staff and teammates.
“Luis Enrique is like a father to me. This success belongs to all of us because every trophy won is the result of teamwork,” he said.
Previously, Barcelona spent more than 100 million euros to get him in 2017, but Dembele failed to shine throughout his six seasons at the Nou Camp.
His move to PSG for 50 million euros proved to be a turning point as he emerged as the team’s mainstay after Kylian Mbappe’s departure to Real Madrid.
Last season, in addition to 35 goals, Dembele also recorded 16 assists for PSG, which created treble history.
His closest competition, Yamal, also shone with Barcelona when he won La Liga, Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup, in addition to winning the Kopa Trophy as the world’s best under-21 player.
In other categories, Barcelona and Spain star Aitana Bonmatí won the Ballon d’Or Feminin for the third consecutive year, while Viktor Gyokeres and Ewa Pajor won the Gerd Muller Trophy.
PSG and Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton were named the world’s best goalkeepers.
Meanwhile, PSG coach Luis Enrique and England women’s team manager Sarina Wiegman were named the winners of the Johan Cruyff Trophy as the best coaches.