The football world has witnessed a historic moment as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) crushed Inter Milan 5-0 in the UEFA Champions League final, securing the club’s first-ever title in the competition.

Amid the celebrations, one name echoed louder than most—Ousmane Dembéléwho was former Barcelona forward during the era of the great Lionel Messi.

The French forward’s stellar performance at the Allianz Arena, where he delivered two crucial assists, has thrust him into the spotlight as a serious contender for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

His manager, Luis Enrique, didn’t hold back, passionately advocating for Dembélé to claim the prestigious award, citing his all-around brilliance in the final as a defining factor.

Dembélé’s impact in the Champions League final was nothing short of extraordinary. Beyond his two assists, which set the tone for PSG’s dominant display, he showcased a level of versatility that left fans and analysts in awe.

His relentless pressing disrupted Inter’s rhythm, while his defensive contributions ensured PSG maintained control throughout the match.

Enrique, in a post-match press conference, highlighted these qualities, stating that Dembélé’s ability to lead by example—through goals, assists, and tireless work off the ball—made him the standout player of the night.

This wasn’t just a one-off performance; it capped a remarkable season for the 27-year-old, who has evolved into a complete footballer under Enrique’s guidance.

The journey to this moment hasn’t been without its challenges. Dembélé’s time at FC Barcelona was marred by injuries and inconsistency, leading many to question his potential.

However, his move to PSG marked a turning point. In the 2024-25 season, he reportedly notched an impressive 30 goals across all competitions, per ESPN’s May 31, 2025 report, while also contributing significantly to PSG’s domestic triumphs, including Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France.

His Champions League final display against Inter Milan—where he not only created scoring opportunities but also exemplified leadership—has shifted the narrative.

Fans on X have been buzzing, with some, like @Asensii20, celebrating his resurgence by comparing him favorably to other young stars like Lamine Yamal.

What makes Dembélé’s Ballon d’Or case compelling is how it aligns with the award’s evolving criteria.

As noted by Goal.com on May 30, 2025, recent trends show voters increasingly valuing a player’s collective impact—think team success, leadership, and fair play—over pure individual stats.

Dembélé ticks all these boxes, having played a pivotal role in PSG’s treble-winning campaign.

While the debate rages on, with Yamal and others in contention, Dembélé’s final performance has undeniably made him a frontrunner for football’s greatest individual honor.