The top 3️⃣ highlights of Dembélé’s 2024-25 season ⭐️

Matches That Make a Ballon d'Or.

On Monday night, Ousmane Dembélé became the sixth French player to win the Ballon d'Or.

After an exceptional 24-25 season, both personally and collectively, the French forward claimed the ultimate prize almost without any possible dispute—something that seemed far from certain just a year ago.

Let's look back together at the three key moments of the season that delivered the Ballon d'Or to Ousmane Dembélé.

PSG - Manchester City (01/22/25)

Just like for PSG, this is where Ousmane Dembélé's season took a turn. In this decisive match for qualification to the Champions League playoffs, the French forward started on the bench, with Luis Enrique preferring Kang-in Lee.

Dembélé eventually came on at halftime, but Manchester City scored two quick goals (50th, 53rd minutes). That's when Dembouz came out of his shell to assert his new status as a clinical finisher. Found in the box after superb work from Barcola, the Parisian number 10 slotted past Ederson and reignited his team's hopes.

Four minutes later, Barcola equalized before Paris eventually won 4-2, practically securing their ticket to the next round.

📸 THOMAS SAMSON - AFP or Licensors

Arsenal - PSG (04/29/25)

📸 Michael Steele - 2025 UEFA

Six months after their first meeting of the season, PSG faced Arsenal again at the Emirates Stadium in the Champions League semi-final. An opponent that brought back bad memories for the forward. In October, Ousmane Dembélé had been excluded from the Paris squad due to being late and watched helplessly as his team lost (2-0).

With 35 goals in all competitions, he returned as his team's number one attacking weapon, and he did not disappoint. In just the fourth minute, Dembélé shattered what many considered the best defense in Europe.

After a sharp run, the number 10 played in Kvaratskhelia before being found again at the edge of the box. With a low, left-footed shot, he found the inside of the left post and opened the scoring. A goal that allowed Paris to return to the Parc des Princes with a decisive advantage for the second leg.

PSG - Inter (05/31/25)

📸 Lars Baron - 2025 Getty Images

On an unforgettable night for PSG, Désiré Doué shone brightly with his brace, but not enough to completely overshadow Ousmane Dembélé. Goalless that night, PSG's offensive leader still provided two assists and a delightful backheel on Désiré Doué's second goal.

But if there was one thing that stuck in the minds of many spectators, it was that look. The look of a striker almost possessed and ready to pounce on Yann Sommer at the slightest opportunity. In a match where the whole world expected him to score to definitively secure the Ballon d'Or, Dembélé managed to stand out through his determination and constant self-sacrifice for the team.

Not a scorer on the most important night in PSG's history, the Parisian number 10 still managed to leave an indelible mark. Was it enough to succeed Rodri this Monday night?

📸 Carl Recine - 2025 Getty Images