It was clear that he was a talent that doesn't appear often when he wore the jerseys of Rennes and Borussia Dortmund, but his days in Barcelona and his somewhat frivolous attitude towards his obligations made many think that nothing would come of his great career.
Ousmane Dembele "grew up" in time, his move to Paris Saint-Germain and Luis Enrique brought out the best in him, and at the age of 28, the French maestro became the best football player in the world.
Now officially, with the Ballon d'Or in his hands, the most prestigious individual award in the world of football, awarded to him by the legendary Ronaldinho.
Behind him in the fight for the "France Football" award were Barcelona's super talent Lamine Jamal, his teammate Vitinho, Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah...
The Paris Saint-Germain "ten" was crowned at the famous Théâtre du Chatelet in Paris, immediately after his teammates survived "hell" in the south of France, where they were defeated by Olympique Marseille (1:0) in a big derby in front of a packed "Vélodrome".
Unreal numbers and an unforgettable 2025.
Paris Saint-Germain won a historic quadruple - three in France and the much-awaited Champions League - with Dembele at the heart of that success. He scored 33 times and provided 13 assists in all competitions. Of the players in Europe's top five leagues, only Kylian Mbappe (36) and Robert Lewandowski (35) have scored more goals from field goals (excluding penalties) than his 32.
During the first part of the season, Dembele was a bit quieter, scoring only five goals, and then the fireworks started with the new year.
From January 1st until the Champions League final, he scored 25 goals and registered eight assists in 29 games in all competitions. No player from the "top five" had a hand in more goals.
Luis Enrique the best coach, Donnarumma the goalkeeper, Jamal the young footballer
During the gala evening in Paris, other awards were also presented, and Dembele's biggest rival for the Ballon d'Or this time had to settle for the award for best young player - Lamin Jamal won the Kopa Award.
When it comes to choosing the best coach, there can be no doubt - Luis Enrique created a machine that conquered Europe with dominance and enjoyable football.
Arne Slott worked miracles with Liverpool, Antonio Conte with Napoli, Hansi Flick woke up Barcelona, but Luis Enrique created a masterpiece and the award that bears the name of the great Johan Cruyff goes to him.
Everything was clear when choosing the best goalkeeper - Gianluigi Donnarumma was one of the key players in PSG's success, so the current Manchester City goalkeeper deservedly won the Lev Yashin Award.
Arsenal striker Viktor Dzekereš won the award named after legendary goalscorer Gerd Müller for the season's top scorer. Of course, for his goals scored at Sporting.
The Club of the Year was, as expected, Paris Saint-Germain.
Aitana wins the Women's Ballon d'Or for the third year in a row
If there was uncertainty among the men, it seems there is none among the ladies - Aitana Bonmati is once again the best in the world.
The Barcelona footballer won the Ballon d'Or for the third year in a row, something only Michel Platini and Lionel Messi have managed among men.
England coach Sarina Wigman has been named the best coach in the world, while goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, the goalkeeper for "proud Albion" and Chelsea, has been named the best coach in the world.
The best young footballer is Vicky Lopes, a Spaniard from Barcelona, and the top scorer is Eva Pajor, her teammate and Polish national team player.
The best club in women's competition is Arsenal.
The Socrates Prize for Humanitarian Work was awarded to the "Sana Foundation", established in honor of Luis Enrique's daughter, who died prematurely.
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