PARIS (AP) — Ousmane Dembele fought back tears as he accepted the men's Ballon d'Or award at a ceremony in Paris on Monday, beating out strong competition from Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal.
Dembele, a French international forward for Paris Saint-Germain, was recognized for his outstanding performance throughout the year. The 25-year-old helped PSG secure its first Champions League title in May, a historic achievement that marked a significant milestone for the club.
"I'm overwhelmed with emotion," Dembele said, struggling to hold back tears as he accepted the award. "This is an incredible honor, and I'm grateful to my teammates, coaches, and fans who have supported me throughout this journey."
Aitana Bonmati of Barcelona claimed the women's Ballon d'Or title for the third consecutive year, solidifying her position as one of the world's top female footballers.
The ceremony, held at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, was attended by a star-studded lineup of footballers, coaches, and dignitaries from around the globe. The Ballon d'Or awards are widely regarded as the most prestigious individual honors in football, recognizing outstanding performance and achievement throughout the year.
Dembele's victory marked a significant moment for French football, with many hailing his achievement as a testament to the country's rich football heritage. "Ousmane Dembele is an inspiration to young players everywhere," said Didier Deschamps, France national team coach. "His dedication and perseverance are qualities that we value highly in French football."
The competition for this year's Ballon d'Or was fierce, with Yamal emerging as a strong contender after helping Barcelona secure the La Liga title. However, Dembele's impressive performance throughout the season ultimately earned him the top spot.
As the winner of the men's Ballon d'Or award, Dembele will now join an elite group of footballers who have received this prestigious honor. The 25-year-old is expected to continue inspiring fans and pushing the boundaries of what is possible on the pitch.
With the ceremony now behind them, attention will shift to the upcoming season, with many anticipating a thrilling competition for the Ballon d'Or title next year.
*Reporting by Aljazeera.*
