PSG star Dembele wins men's Ballon d'Or

On Monday, Ousmane Dembele, the forward from France, claimed the men's Ballon d'Or, football's most esteemed personal award, for his outstanding contributions to Paris Saint Germain's victory in the Champions League during the previous season.

Aged 28, Dembele narrowly defeated the young Barcelona and Spain prodigy Lamine Yamal at the Paris event, taking over from Rodri, the Manchester City and Spain midfielder who secured the honour in 2024.

This winger, previously with Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona, and a member of France's 2018 World Cup winning squad, netted 35 goals across all tournaments, helping PSG achieve a league and cup double in France alongside their inaugural Champions League success.

"Words fail me truly. That season with PSG was extraordinary," remarked a moved Dembele, crediting his team manager Luis Enrique for acting as "like a father" figure.

"Though an individual accolade, it truly stemmed from the team's efforts," Dembele continued, noting he was among nine players from PSG's victorious squad last year who were shortlisted.

"Pursuing the Ballon d'Or was not a personal goal in my career, yet I dedicated myself to the squad's Champions League triumph."

Earlier, the 18 year old Yamal, who played alongside Dembele at Barcelona during his breakthrough in 2023, secured the Kopa Trophy once more as the top under 21 performer, marking his second consecutive win.