Ousmane Dembele has had a football career full of ups and downs. Many people believed in his talent, while others doubted if he could reach the highest level. When he joined Barcelona from Borussia Dortmund in 2017 for £135.5 million, he became the second most expensive player in the world. Expectations were huge, but injuries, inconsistency, and questions about his attitude made it hard for him to shine.

Now, at the age of 28, Dembele has finally shown why so many people thought he could be one of the best. He recently won the Ballon d’Or in Paris, one of football’s greatest individual awards. Overcome with emotion, Dembele thanked his family for their support. His tears reflected the long, difficult journey he has taken to reach this point.

Last season, Dembele had an amazing year with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). He helped the team win three major trophies: Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and the Champions League. PSG also reached the final of the Club World Cup. Dembele scored 35 goals and made 14 assists in all competitions. After a slow start, he became Europe’s most in-form forward around the middle of the season.

His achievement is even more impressive when considering the competition. Dembele outperformed players like Mohamed Salah from Liverpool, Kylian Mbappe from Real Madrid, and Barcelona’s young stars Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.

Dembele’s rise to the top started at Barcelona a few years before he joined PSG. At Barcelona, he began to see football differently and worked on improving his game. But it was at PSG where he truly became a star.

Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid left a gap at PSG. Luis Enrique, the PSG manager, told Dembele that the team now needed him to score more goals and be more confident. The coaching staff constantly reminded him: “Ballon d’Or, Ballon d’Or, Ballon d’Or.” This encouragement gave Dembele a clear target and motivation to improve.

In the 2023-24 season, Dembele played mostly on the right side because Mbappe was the main striker. He helped the team with six goals and 14 assists. But when Mbappe left for Real Madrid, PSG needed a new leader. Dembele stepped up.

Last season, he scored 35 goals and was involved in 51 goal actions, more than twice as many as he ever had before. Luis Enrique allowed him to play in a more central role, called a “false nine,” giving him more chances to touch the ball, build attacks, and score. Dembele embraced this new role fully and showed the world his true potential.

In simple words, Dembele finally became the player many believed he could be. He worked hard, learned from experience, and took the responsibility when the team needed him. His story shows that talent alone is not enough; patience, dedication, and the right opportunity are key to success.

For football fans, Dembele’s journey is an inspiring story of talent, struggle, and ultimate triumph. From being doubted and criticized to winning the Ballon d’Or, Ousmane Dembele now stands as one of the best football players in the world.