Ousmane Dembele warned 'the hardest part' is coming after Ballon d'Or win as former winner gives advice to Paris Saint-Germain star

Dembele won the 2025 Ballon d'Or, edging out Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal and PSG teammate Vitinha. He became the sixth player from France to claim the prestigious award, with former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema being the last French winner. However, 1991 champion Papin has words of advice for his compatriot, cautioning that things will not be the same for Dembele going forward.

In an interview with RMC, Papin expressed that the French forward fully deserved the Ballon d'Or, saying: "Neither he nor I played to win the Ballon d'Or. But in terms of what we showed on the pitch, the efficiency and the role we played, we became Ballon d'Or winners. Anyone who says he's going to win the Ballon d'Or at the start of the season, honestly, is a big liar. When you win the Ballon d'Or, it's because you deserved it and Ousmane deserved it."

He added: "The hardest part will begin for him, because when you win the Ballon d'Or, you have to accept it. Others no longer look at you in the same way. They no longer play against you in the same way.

"On the other hand, he must not change. He must try to stay the same, to be as effective and important in the team, whether with the French national team or PSG. But indeed, this trophy gives you something else."

Dembele joined PSG from Barcelona after a disastrous spell in Spain. The forward was trusted to lead the attack by coach Luis Enrique after Kylian Mbappe joined Real Madrid as a free agent in the summer of 2024. Last season, Dembele scored 33 goals and provided 13 assists in all competitions for PSG helping them to win a domestic treble as well as their maiden Champions League title. However, he suffered an early blow this season he sustained an injury while on international duty with France leaving PSG fuming.

Dembele will hope to recover quickly from injury and help his side defend their titles they won last season.