Ousmane Dembele wins Ballon d’Or 2025.
For the prospect he was, it’ll be hard to imagine that Ousmane Dembele wouldn’t have dreamed of winning the Ballon d’Or, but he did admit it that it was never his dream.
Nevertheless, if a decade ago anyone said he’d win the Ballon d’Or, not many would disagree, as a player with all the good qualities could reach any height. But that was a decade ago. Not even anyone would give him a chance at the start of last season.
Ousmane Dembele’s Ballon d’Or win came out of the blue, even though there was no beating him to it this time.
With LaLiga players seemingly more prioritized for these awards, it makes it difficult for a player who’s played in a league not really taken into consideration when it comes to global honors.
But for Ousmane Dembele, the longer he leaned into the conclusion that his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or were getting slimmer, the better his chances of winning it got.
Ousmane Dembele | Living the Dream of Others
There was this narrative that Neymar Jr. left Barcelona to win the Ballon d’Or at PSG, and at the time, many thought it could eventually happen. However, the narrative has become the reality of Ousmane Dembele, who brought it to life in the exact opposite way the Brazilian went about it.
A PSG team that was supposed to be weakened by the departure of Kylian Mbappé went on to achieve the best season in not only their history but that of any club, and given it was their first time winning the Champions League, it couldn’t make for a better story.
“The Ballon d’Or wasn’t a goal in my career but it’s exceptional to win. I worked for the team to win the Champions League, and to be thanked with a trophy like the Ballon d’Or makes me very happy tonight.”
His victory is a strong message to everyone that as long as there’s a chance to continue grinding, never stop.
22 injuries and 155 games missed during his time with Barcelona turned a 20-year-old prospect into an injury-prone player, but Ousmane Dembele wouldn’t settle for such a narrative. Two summers after leaving the club, you’d have thought he wouldn’t win it, yet he’s won it against the odds.
Would he have won it if he had remained in Barcelona? With players like Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, it would’ve been difficult, although not impossible. But what happens if the club didn’t prioritize him, as they would have been forced to push one?
Many would have fancied Raphinha to earn a top-three finish, but he came fifth.
For Ousmane Dembele, everything just worked out fine. His refusal to continue at Barcelona, his drive to help his team even when deployed in different positions, all got him to greatness, one he may never have pictured himself in.
Neymar Jr came and Kylian Mbappé left, all in the quest to achieve it, but Ousmane Dembele, whose goal didn’t even include winning it delivered the Ballon d’Or, first-ever to do it based on performances for PSG.
Even though he didn’t dream it, it’s a reality that has now become part of history, and even he will relish it for the rest of the future.
Kehinde-Hassan Afolabi
1 Comment
I found the story of Ousmane Dembele truly inspiring. His relentless drive and refusal to give up, despite immense challenges, proved that perseverance can lead to extraordinary success. Its a powerful reminder that talent alone isnt enough – determination is key.