Ousmane Dembele has joined the likes of Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho and Zinedine Zidane in an elite trophy club after being named the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner. The Paris Saint-Germain forward was crowned the best player on the planet at a glitzy ceremony in the French capital, with the France international fending off competition from Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal.
Historic campaign for Dembele & PSG
Dembele was presented with the prestigious Golden Ball after helping PSG to make history in 2024-25. The Ligue 1 giants landed another domestic title last season to sit alongside a Coupe de France success and first Champions League triumph.
AdvertisementGettyWhy Dembele beat Yamal to 2025 Ballon d'Or
Dembele registered 35 goals and 16 assists across a memorable campaign, with the 28-year-old proving himself to be truly elite after leaving Barcelona – where he played alongside Messi – and returning to his homeland in 2023.
Dembele completes stunning trophy hat-trick
He is now one of only 10 players to have completed a stunning hat-trick of major honours. Dembele won the World Cup with France in 2018, the Champions League in 2025 and now has a Ballon d’Or on his glittering CV.
GettyNine other players completed the same treble
The first man to achieve that feat was Manchester United and England legend Sir Bobby Charlton. He was followed by German icons Gerd Muller and Franz Beckenbauer. Italian striker Paolo Rossi was next, with 1998 World Cup winner Zidane completing said treble in 2002.
Brazilian superstars Rivaldo and Ronaldinho, who starred for Barcelona in their respective careers, are also on the list alongside fellow countryman Kaka. Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi landed an elusive World Cup crown with Argentina in 2022.