French international forward Ousmane Dembélé has been crowned the world’s best footballer, winning both the 2025 Ballon d’Or and the FIFA Men’s Player of the Year awards.
The 28-year-old’s double triumph follows a sensational 2024/2025 season, in which he inspired Paris Saint-Germain to a historic European treble. PSG clinched the UEFA Champions League, French Ligue 1, and Coupe de France, marking the first treble in the club’s history.
Dembélé’s performances were central to PSG’s success. Across all competitions, he recorded an impressive 35 goals and 16 assists in 53 official matches, underlining his influence and consistency throughout the season.
The FIFA Men’s Player of the Year award — regarded as one of football’s most prestigious individual honours alongside the Ballon d’Or presented by France Football — was based on performances between August 2024 and August 2025.
Speaking after receiving the awards, Dembélé described 2025 as “the best year in PSG’s history”, while expressing his determination to ensure the current season remains just as memorable.
The FIFA award was determined through a global voting process involving representatives from 221 FIFA member associations, including national team coaches, team captains, and football journalists. Voters selected their top three players, awarding 5 points for first place, 3 points for second, and 1 point for third.
According to FIFA’s published voting results, South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo and national team captain Son Heung-min both ranked Dembélé as their first choice. Hong’s ballot listed Dembélé ahead of Harry Kane of Bayern Munich and Lamine Yamal.
PSG’s dominance extended beyond the men’s award, with head coach Luis Enrique named FIFA Coach of the Year following the club’s landmark season.
In the women’s category, Aitana Bonmatí of Barcelona and Spain claimed the FIFA Women’s Player of the Year award, securing her third consecutive Ballon d’Or and further cementing her status among the game’s elite.
By Noble Atsu
