The 28-year-old Frenchman’s triumphant season, capped by PSG’s historic continental treble, propelled him past a field of elite contenders in a ceremony co-organized by France Football and UEFA.

Dembélé, who succeeded Manchester City’s Rodri as the world’s best player, delivered a masterclass in redemption. 

After a frustrating spell at Barcelona plagued by injuries, his €148 million move to PSG unlocked a career-best campaign: 29 goals and 20 assists across all competitions, including pivotal strikes in the Champions League final that ended the club’s long wait for European glory. 

“Ousmane Dembélé was objectively the only real choice for the award this year,” one analyst noted, crediting his unmatched blend of team success and personal brilliance. 

PSG also claimed the Club of the Year Trophy, while manager Luis Enrique pocketed the Johan Cruyff Trophy for his tactical wizardry.

Yamal, the 18-year-old Spain international and Kopa Trophy recipient for best young player, finished a close second despite dazzling displays that lit up La Liga and Spain’s Nations League triumph. 

The Barcelona winger, who tormented defenses with his vision and flair, earned widespread acclaim—Manchester City’s Rodri even predicted multiple Ballons d’Or in his future—but couldn’t overcome Dembélé’s trophy haul. 

Rounding out the podium was PSG midfielder Vitinha, whose meteoric rise highlighted the Parisians’ dominance. 

The top five were completed by Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres (Gerd Müller Trophy winner for top scorer) and an unspecified fifth placer, per official rankings.

The win sparked jubilation in Paris, with Dembélé visibly emotional during his acceptance speech in French, thanking his mother—who joined him onstage—and crediting teammates like Kylian Mbappé, who had publicly backed his compatriot. 

“Would I vote for Dembélé? Yes. I don’t think it needs much explaining,” Mbappé had said earlier. 

Even Cristiano Ronaldo hinted at favoring the Frenchman over Yamal in pre-ceremony remarks.