Ousmane Dembélé has hushed his critics with a stellar season. For instance, under Luis Enrique at PSG, he’s become a world-class star. Specifically, his hat-tricks, clutch goals, and leadership shine brightly. As a result, if the Ballon d’Or celebrates impact and redemption, Dembélé is the obvious choice. To begin with, explore our analysis of PSG’s epic season.
From Struggles to Success
Initially, Dembélé faced tough criticism. In particular, injuries and inconsistency at Barcelona labeled him “unreliable.” However, in 2024–25, he changed the narrative. For example, he scored 18 goals in 10 games in early 2025, including two hat-tricks. (The Guardian) Furthermore, as a false-nine under Luis Enrique, he found his spark. Consequently, he turned skeptics into supporters. (The Times) See how he mastered this role in our false-nine tactics breakdown.
A Record-Breaking Season
| Metric | Performance |
|---|---|
| Goals (all competitions) | 33 |
| Assists | 15 |
| Ligue 1 Goals | 21 (joint top scorer) |
| Champions League | 2 assists in final; 12 goal contributions total |
Above all, PSG won the treble—Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Champions League. Naturally, Dembélé was central. For instance, he tallied 33 goals and 15 assists. (Wikipedia, ESPN.com) Moreover, no player in Europe’s top leagues matched his 37 goals and 15 assists in 60 matches. (World Soccer Talk) In addition, his flair drove PSG’s attack, as explored in our Ligue 1 season recap.
Fans and Experts Back Him
To start, an L’Équipe poll showed Dembélé leading with 40.9% of votes, ahead of Raphinha and Yamal. Next, ESPN analysts predict he’ll win, citing his stats and PSG’s success. “Unless something shifts, Dembélé’s the Ballon d’Or pick,” they said. (ESPN.com) Furthermore, bookmakers and social media polls strongly support him. (beIN SPORTS, Give Me Sport) Also, Luis Enrique praised him after PSG’s Champions League win, saying, “Ousmane’s our star.” (FourFourTwo) Finally, X fans agree, with one post calling him “unstoppable.” (Facebook) Join the debate in our Ballon d’Or fan poll.
Clutch Moments That Stand Out
Dembélé delivered in big games. Specifically:
- First, he scored a hat-trick in the Champions League knockouts, tearing through defenses.
- Then, he netted an equalizer and a key penalty in a shootout against Liverpool. (Wikipedia)
- Additionally, in the UEFA Super Cup, he won Player of the Match with an assist and penalty. Yet, he humbly praised PSG’s goalkeeper. (TalkSport)
- Moreover, his off-ball work, like winning 10 tackles in the Champions League final, was rare for a forward.
Thus, his skill, grit, and humility make him a leader. Relive these moments in our Champions League highlights.
Why Dembélé Deserves the Award
So, why is he the best choice? Let’s dive in:
- Redemption: At first, Barcelona fans doubted him. Now, he’s Europe’s top attacker.
- Versatility: Not only did he score 33 goals, but he also made 15 assists.
- Team Impact: In fact, PSG’s treble leaned on his speed and work rate.
- Consensus: Above all, fans, experts, and odds back Dembélé.
For a deeper look, see our 2025 Ballon d’Or contenders analysis.
The Final Verdict
In summary, Dembélé’s season is unmatched. He led PSG to glory, starred in big moments, and showed humility. As a result, the Ballon d’Or is his. Ultimately, share your thoughts in our Ballon d’Or debate at Pulse Sports Hub!
