Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé has won his first Ballon d’Or, as the French club collected several other accolades during the ceremony.
The 28-year-old enjoyed a stellar season last year, lifting the Champions League, Ligue 1 and the French Cup, scoring 35 goals and providing 14 assists in 53 appearances.
Currently sidelined with injury, Dembélé missed his side’s rescheduled match against Marseille this evening, which had been postponed due to bad weather.
“What I have just experienced is exceptional, I have no words for it, what happened with PSG,” he said on stage.
“I want to thank PSG, who came to get me in 2023. It’s an incredible family. The president, Nasser [Al-Khelaifi], is like a father to me. I also want to thank all the staff and the coach, who have been exceptional with me, he too is like a father, and all my team-mates. We have practically won everything together. You supported me in the good and the difficult times. This individual trophy is one the team has won collectively.“
PSG coach Luis Enrique was named Best Manager after guiding the Parisian side to a historic treble.
Dembélé becomes the sixth French player to win the award, succeeding last year’s winner, Spanish midfielder Rodri.
