Ousmane Dembélé: PSG’s Treble Hero and the Leading Ballon d'Or Contender Opens Up

The Making of a Ballon d'Or Favorite: Dembélé’s Historic Season

Did you know that Ousmane Dembélé is now the hottest name in world football? After years of battling injuries and inconsistency, Dembélé exploded in the 2024-25 season, leading PSG to a historic treble: Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and—most importantly—their first-ever UEFA Champions League title. His 33 goals and 15 assists in 49 matches, including being named both Ligue 1 and Champions League Player of the Season, have made him the clear front-runner for the Ballon d'Or. PSG’s 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan in the Champions League final, where Dembélé provided two assists, was the crowning moment of his career.
But what makes his story even more compelling is the journey: once dismissed as a 'flop' at Barcelona and plagued by injuries, Dembélé’s resilience and transformation under coach Luis Enrique have captured the imagination of fans and pundits alike.

The Numbers Behind the Magic: Dembélé’s 2025 Stats

Let’s break down just how incredible Dembélé’s season has been. He topped the Ligue 1 scoring charts with 21 goals in 29 matches, becoming PSG’s first French top scorer in years. Across all competitions, he racked up 33 goals and 13-15 assists, often outperforming his expected goals by a wide margin. In the Champions League, he scored eight goals and provided six assists, including crucial moments like his hat-trick against Stuttgart and decisive goals against Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal. These stats aren’t just impressive—they’re historic, with Dembélé setting new club records for goal involvements in a single European campaign.
Advanced analytics show that he consistently outperformed models, scoring in 17 of his 27 appearances in 2025 alone. His consistency and clutch performances have made him indispensable for both PSG and the French national team.

From 'Flop' to Fan Favorite: Community and Media Reactions

Community reactions in Korea and France have been overwhelmingly positive. On Naver and Daum, fans praise Dembélé’s transformation: 'He’s finally realized his potential,' reads one top comment, while another says, 'Dembélé is the best player in the world right now.' According to recent fan polls, over 40% of respondents picked Dembélé as their Ballon d'Or favorite, far outpacing rivals like Raphinha and Salah. On DC Inside and PGR21, discussions highlight his work ethic and leadership on the pitch, with some fans even comparing his impact to that of Messi and Ronaldo in their prime.
However, a minority of fans remain cautious, noting his injury history and the unpredictability of individual awards. Still, the general mood is one of pride and excitement, especially as PSG fans celebrate their club’s first European crown.

The Cultural Impact: Why Dembélé’s Rise Matters

For international fans, understanding Dembélé’s journey requires some cultural context. French football has long been defined by its flair and unpredictability, but PSG’s European failures had become a national frustration. Dembélé’s rise represents a new era—not just for PSG, but for French football as a whole. His success is seen as a redemption story, inspiring young players who face setbacks. The fact that he’s a Frenchman leading a French club to continental glory has sparked national pride, with media and fans embracing him as a symbol of resilience and hope.
Globally, Dembélé’s story resonates with anyone who’s faced adversity. His humility—openly admitting he’s dreamed of the Ballon d'Or since childhood, but insisting the result is out of his hands—has only endeared him further to fans.

Inside the Locker Room: What Teammates and Coaches Say

Coach Luis Enrique has been vocal in his support, stating he has 'no doubts at all' that Dembélé deserves the Ballon d'Or. Teammates like Kylian Mbappé have publicly praised his work rate and leadership, with Mbappé calling him 'one of the best players in the world.' Enrique credits a turning point in late 2024, when Dembélé was briefly dropped from the squad for disciplinary reasons. Rather than sulk, Dembélé responded with a relentless run of form, scoring 15 goals in 10 league matches and dominating in Europe.
In interviews, Dembélé himself remains humble but ambitious: 'To win the Ballon d'Or would be the greatest honor for any footballer. I’ve had tough times with injuries and form, but this season, I feel I’ve done well. We’ll see what happens.'

Fan Culture and the Ballon d'Or Race: How Social Media Shapes the Debate

The Ballon d'Or race has become a global social media phenomenon, with memes, highlight reels, and debates raging across platforms. On Korean communities like FM Korea and DC Inside, fans dissect every Dembélé goal and assist, often comparing him to rivals like Salah, Raphinha, and even past legends. The consensus? Dembélé’s combination of flair, consistency, and big-game performances gives him the edge.
Internationally, PSG’s Champions League triumph has shifted the narrative. While Salah and Raphinha had strong individual seasons, their teams’ early European exits hurt their chances. Dembélé’s decisive role in PSG’s treble has made him the sentimental and statistical favorite, with many experts tipping him to finally break the Messi-Ronaldo-Benzema stranglehold on the award.

What’s Next? The Legacy of Dembélé’s 2025 Season

As the Ballon d'Or ceremony approaches, Dembélé’s legacy is already secure in the eyes of many fans. Whether he wins or not, his 2024-25 season will be remembered as one of the greatest comebacks in modern football. For PSG, it marks the end of their European curse. For French football, it’s a moment of national pride. And for Dembélé himself, it’s the realization of a lifelong dream.
So, did you know? In 2025, Ousmane Dembélé didn’t just win trophies—he won the hearts of fans around the world.