Why Ousmane Dembele Deserves the Ballon d’Or?

Ousmane Dembele has gone from one of Europe’s most unpredictable, injury-prone players to one of the most unstoppable. This season, the French winger didn’t just find form. He has dominated. At Paris Saint-Germain, he’s been the spark, the engine, and the difference-maker behind what many call the club’s most incredible season in history.

From electric solo goals to clutch assists in Europe’s biggest matches, Dembele delivered when it mattered most. With PSG lifting the quadruple, Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and their first-ever UEFA Champions League title, it’s time the football world recognized what’s been right in front of them all year long, which is why the Frenchman deserves the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

A Season Of Unmatched Impact

Let’s start with the numbers because they’re jaw-dropping like Dembele’s footwork. He scored 33 goals and added 15 assists across all competitions, making 48 direct goal contributions in 49 matches. That’s elite company territory. He was the joint-top scorer in Ligue 1 with 21 goals alongside former Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood and walked away with the Ligue 1 Player of the Year trophy. In the Champions League, he broke records with 12 goal involvements, more than any French club player in a single campaign. He was unplayable on the biggest stage. 

In the Champions League final, names like Desire Doue or Vitinha might’ve taken the headlines, but Dembele’s silent work has been underrated. The 27-year-old didn’t score, but he did everything else. He set up two goals, led PSG’s aggressive pressing, and dictated the tempo in a game that crowned them kings of Europe. He was the pack’s leader, leading them to the most one-sided Champions League final in football history against Inter. UEFA noticed that he was named Champions League Player of the Season.

Tactical Evolution Under Luis Enrique

What makes this season even more impressive is how much Dembele has evolved under Luis Enrique. No longer just a flashy winger hugging the touchline, he’s taken on a more central, flexible role, often drifting inside as a false nine or playmaker.

This new position allowed him to become more than a highlight reel. His dribbling? Still mesmerizing. But now, there’s a purpose behind every run. His vision? Sharpened. The decision-making fans mocked him for, finally, maturing. Enrique’s system, built on quick passing and relentless pressing, looks like it was made for Dembele’s all-action style.

He didn’t just fit into PSG’s new identity, but he has defined it. His work rate off the ball, something he wasn’t known for all his career, his tracking back, and his leadership in key moments showed that this was a player not just playing for stats, but for glory.

Recognition and Support

People are noticing. After PSG’s Champions League triumph, captain Marquinhos didn’t hesitate to say what everyone thought: “Dembele deserves the Ballon d’Or.” Even Kylian Mbappé, who had been the face of PSG for years, tipped his hat to his teammate, praising Dembélé’s growth, maturity, and impact.

The media is on board, too. Sky Sports called this the most consistent and complete season of his career. Bleacher Report said Dembele’s campaign was nothing short of a “renaissance.” He didn’t just bounce back from years of injuries and inconsistency but rewrote his entire narrative. Let’s not forget the intangibles. This isn’t just a story of goals and assists. This player was counted out, dismissed as unreliable, and nearly forgotten. But Dembele didn’t quit. He worked, adapted, stayed fit, and finally proved what people saw glimpses of at Rennes, Dortmund, and even Barcelona.

Final Thoughts

When we talk about the Ballon d’Or, we’re not just about talent; we’re talking about the player who defined the season. This year, that player is Ousmane Dembele. He led his club to an unprecedented quadruple. He was dominant in France and decisive in Europe. He evolved tactically, showed maturity, and earned the respect of teammates, rivals, and pundits. In every sense, statistically, tactically, and emotionally, Dembele deserves to bholdthat golden ball in December.