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You can feel momentum in football. Some seasons pivot on one player’s reinvention. For PSG, that player has been Ousmane Dembélé. The question now isn’t if he can win the Ballon d’Or—it’s how far we’ve shifted to even suspend that as a possibility.
A Season Forged in Consistency and Moments
In 2024–25, Dembélé did more than excel—he led. He amassed 33 goals and 15 assists in 49 appearances, powering PSG to an unprecedented continental treble, including the Champions League, Ligue 1, and Coupe de France
In the Champions League final, his two assists in a 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan stood out. It wasn’t about flashy headline stats; it was about perfect timing. His performance also saw praise from Gareth Bale, who called him “the favourite by some distance”
Bet Markets Don’t Lie
The betting world gives us a clear snapshot of belief. William Hill lists him as low as 1/4—and Even after the Champions League final, his odds shortened again to 1/2
These odds reflect more than hype. They account for performance, trophies, narrative, and timing. And none of that works in isolation.
Recognition from Media and Teammates
L’Équipe’s poll shows fans responding to what they see on the pitch. Dembélé topped that popularity vote with 40.9%, ahead of Raphinha and Yamal
Inside the disciplines of coaching and respect among peers, PSG manager Luis Enrique summed it up:
“I’d give the Ballon d’Or to Mr Ousmane Dembélé. … Goals, titles, leadership, defending, pressing. Ousmane is my Ballon d’Or. No doubts at all.
Critics, Footnotes, and the Fine Print
No career is perfect. Dembélé’s past is punctuated with inconsistency and injuries. His ex-manager once observed that “if he was more of a goalscorer, maybe he would have already won a Ballon d’Or” It’s fair. But 2025 isn’t about what came before—it’s about what he did.
The Verdict on His Chances
| Factor | Notes |
| Trophies | Continental treble plus Super Cup and possibly Club World Cup—PSG’s haul is undeniable. |
| Individual Output | 33 goals, 15 assists—among the elite goal-involvement rates in Europe. |
| Market Confidence | Odds as low as 1/4 signalling overwhelming betting sentiment. |
| Expert Endorsements | Praise from Bale, support from Luis Enrique, and fan polling aligning with performance. |
| Weaknesses | Past mentality and fitness concerns linger—but aren’t defining factors this season. |
Final Thoughts
I can say plainly: this isn’t about crafting a narrative—it’s about watching one materialize. A Ballon d’Or win for Dembélé isn’t just reward for him. It’s validation for patience, trust, and the quiet evolution of talent into leadership. It’s a signal for the game that transformation even if delayed is still powerful.
Whatever happens, this season will define how we talk about Dembélé. If the Ballon d’Or ends up in his hands, it won’t feel like luck. It will feel earned.