Ousmane Dembele has asked Paris Saint-Germain for a new contract and a pay rise worthy of his new status as a Ballon d’Or winner. The French winger, currently earning €18 million per year and tied to the club until 2028, wants a salary that reflects his global standing, but PSG are unwilling to return to the extravagant wage structure of the Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi era.
Seeing Ousmane Dembele lift the 2025 Ballon d’Or was a deeply emotional moment for Dayot Upamecano. The Bayern Munich defender, who grew up with the Paris Saint-Germain star in Evreux, admitted that watching his France teammate and childhood friend crowned the best player in the world after a sensational season brought him to tears.
Ex-Chelsea star Joe Cole has taken aim at football's administrators, claiming that the over-saturation of the football calendar is putting stars at heightened injury risk, and diluting the quality of the overall product. Cole pointed towards PSG and Chelsea's current injury problems, as well Rodri's persistent fitness issues and Lamine Yamal's concerns, as examples of players being 'flogged for financial reasons'.
Ousmane Dembele's Ballon d'Or win was a surprise to his former coach Peter Bosz, who has revealed his battles with the star's lack of discipline during his time at Borussia Dortmund. The Paris Saint-Germain forward was described as "disorganised" and "often late," but the Dutch coach feels he has undergone a transformation since joining the French side.
Ousmane Dembele revealed that Lionel Messi's 'direct message' after Ballon d'Or win 'really struck' him as the Frenchman claimed that his former Barcelona colleagues and coach congratulated him. Dembele beat Blaugrana sensation Lamine Yamal to win the Golden Ball earlier this week after starring for PSG in the 2024-25 campaign, where the French giants won the treble.
Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele bizarrely compared his achievement to a goal he scored against Tottenham for Barcelona back in 2018. The Paris Saint-Germain star was given the honour of being named the world's best player throughout last season and he feels his drive to claim the trophy resembles a particular goal from seven years ago.
Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele was confirmed as the 2025 Ballon d'Or winner earlier this week and final voting figures revealed he finished more than 300 points clear of Barcelona's teenage superstar Lamine Yamal. The Frenchman's stellar campaign, which included a historic quadruple, made him only PSG's second ever recipient of the prestigious prize.
Harry Kane is "being taken for granted", according to former England international Joleon Lescott, with the Bayern Munich striker only managing a 13th-place finish at the 2025 Ballon d'Or. The Three Lions captain finished outside of the top 10, as Ousmane Dembele was named the best player on the planet, despite netting 41 goals last season and breaking his trophy duck with a Bundesliga title triumph.
Another Frenchman could lift the Ballon d'Or by following the Ousmane Dembele blueprint. Indeed, according to Bayern Munich legend Lothar Matthaus, Michael Olise has the potential to become the first Ballon d'Or winner from Die Roten after 45 years. The 23-year-old has been exceptional since arriving from Crystal Palace in 2024 and is reportedly set to be offered a new deal.
Following the release of EA Sports FC 26, GOAL's Front Three have stepped in to amend some player ratings, with Casemiro, Cole Palmer and Harry Kane's numbers all adjusted.
Former Ballon d'Or winner Jean-Pierre Papin has offered words of advice to 2025 champion Ousmane Dembele, warning that the period after such recognition would be the most challenging. Papin congratulated the Paris Saint-Germain forward and insists he fully deserved the award, though he urged him to stay true to himself.
Hansi Flick admitted Ousmane Dembele “deserved” the Ballon d’Or after the Paris Saint-Germain forward’s spectacular season, while insisting Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal has taken finishing second in his stride. Flick revealed Yamal is "motivated" to win the prize in the near future and ready to respond with performances as Barca prepare for their upcoming fixtures.
Vitinha expressed his happiness at achieving a third-placed finish in the Ballon d'Or rankings and extended his congratulations to Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Ousmane Dembele, who pipped Barcelona rival Lamine Yamal to lift the prestigious award. Vitinha was one of the best midfielders in the world last season and achieved tremendous success with both club and country.
Former France captain Olivier Giroud has explained the key behind Ousmane Dembele’s Ballon d’Or success after admitting he never imagined his former France teammate would one day win the award. The Paris Saint-Germain forward capped off a remarkable season with 35 goals and a Champions League win, becoming the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner on Monday night.
La Liga president Javier Tebas believes that Lamine Yamal only missed out on the 2025 Ballon d'Or because of his age. The Barcelona superstar was pipped to the post by Paris Saint-Germain ace Ousmane Dembele, but Tebas believes it is only a matter of time before the teenager picks up the prize as the world's best footballer.
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