Ousmane Dembélé’s resurgence at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has been nothing short of remarkable.
After years of battling injuries and inconsistency, the French winger has found his form, becoming a key figure in PSG’s quest for European glory. His performances this season have not only propelled his team to success but have also positioned him as a strong contender for the prestigious Ballon d’Or.
Dembélé’s Stellar Season
Dembélé’s impact this season is evident in his statistics. In Ligue 1, he has scored 21 goals and provided 8 assists, leading PSG to secure their 13th league title. His contributions have been recognized with the Ligue 1 Player of the Year award, breaking Kylian Mbappé’s five-year hold on the accolade.
In the UEFA Champions League, Dembélé has been instrumental in PSG’s journey to the final, recording 7 goals and 1 assist in 10 appearances. His performances have been crucial in key matches, including the semi-final victory over Arsenal, where he scored the decisive goal in the first leg and assisted in the second.
Overall, Dembélé has amassed 33 goals and 11 assists across all competitions this season, marking his most productive campaign to date.
Ballon d’Or Contention
Dembélé’s exceptional form has not gone unnoticed in the Ballon d’Or race. According to the latest odds from William Hill, he is currently the frontrunner for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, with his odds shortening from 8/1 to 15/8 . His main competitors include Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, both of whom have had impressive seasons but may lack the European silverware that he is on the cusp of achieving.
Former Arsenal and France midfielder Emmanuel Petit has endorsed the French winger for the award, highlighting his transformation under PSG coach Luis Enrique and his pivotal role in the team’s success.
With the Champions League final on the horizon, a standout performance could solidify Dembélé’s claim to the Ballon d’Or. His journey from a promising talent plagued by injuries to a leading figure in European football is a testament to his resilience and dedication.
