The Paris Saint-Germain winger was crowned the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner on Monday night in Paris, an honour he described as the pinnacle of his career and a reward for years of persistence, resilience and faith.
“So much joy, pride and emotion. A dream come true. Thank you to everyone who has always supported me throughout this journey,” Dembele wrote on his X (formerly Twitter) account moments after receiving the golden trophy.
The 28-year-old Frenchman emerged top of the world’s best after an exceptional 2024-2025 season with PSG, finishing ahead of Barcelona’s teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal, fellow PSG midfielder Vitinha, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, and Barcelona winger Raphinha.
The award was presented by Brazilian icon Ronaldinho, himself a Ballon d’Or winner in 2005, who handed over the glittering trophy as the Parisian crowd erupted in applause for the man who once wore Barcelona’s colours but has found renewed brilliance in Paris.
In his acceptance speech, Dembele expressed heartfelt gratitude to his family, singling out his mother for her unwavering support throughout his career.
“Winning this award is a dream come true. I dedicate it to my family, especially my mother, who has always been by my side,” he said, visibly emotional.
That tribute was returned in kind by his mother, Fatimata Dembele, who spoke with pride after the ceremony.
Offering prayers of thanks, she declared that her son’s victory was not only for France but for Africa as well, given her Senegalese roots and Dembele’s Malian paternal heritage.
“Alhamdulillah — all praise and thanks be to God. It’s the Ballon d’Or of all Africa. We are going to take it to Senegal, to everywhere,” she said, beaming as she held back tears of joy.
Dembele’s triumph is more than personal glory; it is a moment that resonates with fans across continents.
Once hampered by injuries and questions over consistency, the winger has now ascended to the summit of world football, joining the ranks of legends who have etched their names in the Ballon d’Or’s golden history.
