By Oluwasore Alabi
Ousmane Dembele, the French winger and Paris Saint-Germain forward, was on Monday crowned the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner in Paris, defeating Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal to claim the most prestigious individual award in football.
This victory is not just about recognition for skill, but also a story of resilience. For years, Dembele’s career was overshadowed by constant injuries and questions about whether he could ever live up to his €100 million price tag at Barcelona. At one point, many critics dismissed him as football’s “what could have been.” Yet, his journey from Rennes to Borussia Dortmund, then Barcelona, and finally PSG shows how persistence can turn setbacks into triumphs.
Dembele’s win is also symbolic for modern football. It proves that consistency and maturity can redefine a player’s legacy. His time at Barcelona may have been disappointing in the eyes of many, but at PSG, he has carved a fresh chapter, leading attacks, staying fit, and proving decisive in big matches.
Beyond club football, Dembele has always had history on his side. He was part of France’s 2018 World Cup-winning squad, showing flashes of brilliance even as injuries restricted his influence. The Ballon d’Or, however, cements his place not just as a squad member of great teams, but as one of the leading men of his era.
This award also underscores the odds he has defied. From long recovery spells on the sidelines, to the pressure of a record transfer fee, to comparisons with teammates and rivals, Dembele’s career could have easily derailed. Instead, he has answered doubt with determination.
The message from his story is clear: in football, talent may open the door, but resilience keeps it open. Dembele’s Ballon d’Or is not just a personal reward, it is an inspiration to players facing their own struggles, a reminder that setbacks do not define the destination.
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