Ballon d’Or 2025: Ousmane Dembele crowned best player, Mo Salah finishes fourth
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net.
Paris Saint-Germain's Ousmane Dembele is the main favourite to win the 2025 Ballon d'Or, according to the bookmakers, following an outstanding season where he recorded 43 goal contributions in 44 league and Champions League matches. This impressive performance helped PSG secure a historic treble, winning Ligue 1, the UEFA Champions League, and the Coupe de France last season.
Dembele, aged 28, is expected to attend the award ceremony in Paris despite his injury and the scheduling clash with PSG’s Ligue 1 game against Marseille, from which he is currently sidelined. His campaign has been marked by exceptional skill, finishing prowess, and consistency, elevating his status to the prime contender for football’s most prestigious individual prize.
His closest competition comes from Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, who is widely regarded as a rising star but lacks Dembele’s breadth of contributions and silverware this season. Mohamed Salah remains a notable contender from the Premier League, though the spotlight predominantly stays on Dembele for the top prize.
Besides the men's award, the ceremony also features significant recognitions for women's football, with England’s Lionesses and coach Sarina Wiegman among the nominees. The event celebrated multiple categories such as Kopa, Yashin, Gerd Muller, and Johan Cruyff trophies, recognizing the best young talent, goalkeepers, and coaches in both men's and women’s football.
Overall, Ousmane Dembele’s transformative impact at PSG this season, capped by key goals and assists, historic team achievements, and his technical prowess, underscores why he is viewed as the standout candidate for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
PP