Ousmane Dembele, the French forward playing for Paris Saint-Germain, has won the 2025 Ballon d’Or — football’s biggest individual award. Here are 10 important facts about him:
Where He Comes From
Dembele was born on May 15, 1997, in Vernon, France. He has roots from Mauritania, Senegal, and Mali.
Early Football Days
He started playing football as a child and trained at local clubs before joining the youth team of Rennes, where he showed great speed and skill.
First Big Chance at Rennes
He made his professional debut in 2015 at just 18 years old. In his first full season, he scored 12 goals, attracting attention from big clubs in Europe.
Joining Borussia Dortmund
In 2016, Dembele moved to German club Borussia Dortmund. He improved a lot there and helped the team win the German Cup in 2017.
Record Transfer to Barcelona
Barcelona signed him in 2017 after Neymar left for PSG. They paid over €100 million, making Dembele one of the most expensive players.
Injury Problems
He struggled with injuries, especially hamstring issues, which kept him off the field for long periods.
Winning Trophies
Dembele has won many trophies including Spain’s La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup with Barcelona, and France’s Ligue 1 with PSG.
World Cup Winner
He was part of the French team that won the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, France’s second World Cup title.
Playing Style
Dembele can use both feet equally well, making him very hard for defenders to predict. He can dribble, pass, and shoot with either foot.
New Start at PSG
In 2023, Dembele joined Paris Saint-Germain to continue his career in France’s capital. He is an important player for the club, especially after Lionel Messi’s departure.
