Ousmane Dembele Wins FIFA The Best Award After A Historic Season With PSG

Ousmane Dembélé has been crowned FIFA The Best Men’s Player after a season that will be remembered as one of the finest in modern soccer, marking a major moment not only by the sport but also for African and diaspora representation at the highest level. The award was announced yesterday at the FIFA The Best ceremony held in Doha, Qatar. This recognition comes shortly after Dembele had already been named Ballon d’Or winner, confirming that the 2024-2025 season truly belonged to him. Winning both awards places him firmly at the very top of world soccer and reflects a year of consistency, impact, and leadership at the highest level.

Born in France to Malian parents, Dembélé’s journey to the top of world soccer is meaningful to many people across Africa and the diaspora. His success shows how players with African roots continue to shine on the global stage. Winning both the Ballon d’Or and FIFA The Best in the same year places him among the best players of his generation and highlights the growing influence of African-descended players in European soccer.

Dembélé’s rise to this moment was driven by his incredible performances for Paris Saint Germain. He played a central role in helping the club achieve something they had chased for years by winning their first ever UEFA Champions League title. Alongside that historic success, PSG also secured the Ligue 1 title and the Coupe de France, completing a famous domestic treble. These achievements changed the club’s history, and Dembele was widely seen as the main force behind that transformation on the pitch.

Throughout the season, Dembélé’s delivered numbers that matched his influence. He scored 35 goals and registered 16 assists across all competitions, showing his full attacking impact for PSG. More than the statistics, his presence in big moments defined PSG’s campaign. Whether in league matches, cup finals, or Champions League knockout games, Dembele consistently rose to the occasion and carried his team forward when it mattered most.

The FIFA The Best award also strengthens the meaning of his Ballon d’Or victory earlier in the year. While the Ballon d’Or highlighted his brilliance over the season, yesterday’s award confirmed the global respect he earned from coaches, players, journalists, and fans. Winning both prizes in the same year shows that Dembele was not only outstanding individually but also decisive in delivering trophies and making history with his club.

Competition for the FIFA The Best Men’s Player award was strong. Barcelona’s young star Lamine Yamal was among the finalists after an excellent year that included a domestic treble and international success. Despite that, voters ultimately favored Dembele, largely because of his leadership and decisive role in PSG’s long awaited Champions League triumph. That single achievement carried enormous weight and set Dembele apart in the final vote.

The ceremony also celebrated excellence in women’s soccer, with Barcelona and Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmati winning the women’s award. Her recognition came after another outstanding year that included a domestic treble and being named Player of the Tournament at Euro 2025. The event highlighted a year where both men’s and women’s soccer were defined by players who combined talent with winning success.

For Ousmane Dembélé, this moment represents the peak of a journey marked by patience, resilience, and growth. From early career setbacks to becoming the most decisive player in Europe, his story resonates far beyond the pitch. For many across Africa and the diaspora, his success stands as a powerful reminder of what is possible when talent, opportunity, and perseverance align on the world’s biggest stage.