Ousmane Dembele in Tears as He Beats Lamine Yamal to Claim 2025 Ballon d’Or Award

Joel Omotto 06:42 - 23 September 2025

Ousmane Dembele is the 2025 Ballon d'Or winner. Photos: Imago

PSG forward Ousmane Dembele could not hide his emotions as he claimed this year’s Ballon d’Or Award after edging out Barcelona teen star Lamine Yamal.

Ousmane Dembele claimed the 2025 Ballon d’Or Award as expected with no controversy this time as witnessed in 2024.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward, who scored 37 goals and provided 16 assists last season, was widely regarded as the favoutite after guiding the French champions to four trophies, which included Ligue 1 and Champions League crowns.

Dembele won the prestigious award ahead of Barcelona teen sensation Lamine Yamal with his PSG team-mate Vitinha finishing third just ahead of Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

Harambee Stars

Benni McCarthy: Harambee Stars Coach Attracts Interest from Tanzanian Giants

The French forward was in tears as he accepted the award, the first major individual recognition of his career.

Emotional Dembele Relieved Anxious Wait

"What I have just experienced is exceptional, I have no words for it, what happened with PSG," said an emotional Dembele, whose mother joined him on the stage as quoted by BBC.

"I feel a bit of stress, it's not easy to win this trophy, and to have it presented to me by Ronaldinho, a legend of football, is exceptional.

Harambee Stars

Everton's Tyler Onyango Reveals What Is Holding Him Back From Harambee Stars Debut

"I want to thank PSG who came to get me in 2023. It's an incredible family. The president Nasser [Al-Khelaifi] is like a father to me. I also want to thank all the staff and the coach, who have been exceptional with me - he too is like a father - and all my team-mates.

"We have practically won everything together. You supported me in the good and the difficult times. This individual trophy is one the team has won collectively."

Who Were the Other Winners?

Spain and Barcelona star Aitana Bonmati won the Ballon d’Or Feminin, the women’s equivalent, for the third year in a row, edging out Mariona Caldentey.

Harambee Stars

From Pitch to Politics: Harambee Stars Striker Set to Contest Parliamentary Seat

Yamal, however, claimed the Young Player of the Year Trophy with Manchester City’s Gianluigi Donnarumma winning the Yashine Trophy, reserved for the best goalkeeper, following his heroics with PSG last season.

PSG coach Luis Enrique and England’s Sarina Wiegman were crowned best male and female coach respectively the French champions were named the best male club while Arsenal were awarded the best women’s club.