Ousmane Dembele, Reinterpreter of the Ballon d'Or

Speaking of the turbulence of life, do not compete with Dembele. He once became the second most expensive footballer in the world at the age of 20 and was touted as Lionel Messi's successor at Barcelona. However, all of that was just the beginning of a free-fall period in his career.

The "wonder boy" who was the most talented of his time sank at Barca. He was labeled a failure due to his very frail physique. After recovering from one injury, another injury would follow. It took six years, from 2017 to 2023, until Barca finally gave up. He was released for a fee three times lower than the purchase price.

Several years later, precisely on Tuesday (23/9/2025) in the early hours of WIB, Dembele held the "golden ball" trophy during the 2025 Ballon d'Or award night at the Chatelet Theater in Paris, France. At the age of 28, he was selected as the best footballer in the world over the past year.

Dembele struggled to process his achievement in the most prestigious individual award. He began his speech in tears. "I don't want to cry. However, as soon as I start talking about family, about the people who are there for me, I can't hold it back," he said.

It is understandable that the Paris Saint-Germain star is moved. His journey has been long and winding, starting from childhood. He grew up in an immigrant family, with a mother from Mauritania and a father from Mali. His mother, Fatima, raised Dembele alone in France while nurturing his dream of becoming a football player.

Dembele now stands at the pinnacle of his game. He triumphed after winning the treble with PSG and contributed 35 goals and 16 assists in 53 appearances in the 2024-25 season. This achievement was enough to beat Barca's "wonder boy," Lamine Yamal, who finished second.

The question is, how was Dembele able to rise from adversity after moving to PSG in 2023? He managed to find the best form of his life after missing the early phase of his prime due to a series of injuries. Typically, young stars tend to fade away when they fall short of expectations.

During his time at Barcelona, Dembele suffered 14 muscle injuries and had to be sidelined for 784 days. In fact, he was free from injuries when he started his career at Rennes and Borussia Dortmund. The change in his physical condition occurred due to lifestyle factors, including unhealthy eating habits and insufficient sleep.

According to Dembele, his poor lifestyle gradually changed after marrying his girlfriend, Rima, in December 2021. He also had a child about a year later. Since then, Dembele, who has become a husband and father, has taken on more responsibility in his life both on and off the field.

The French national team player has had a personal physiotherapist at home for the past two seasons at Barca. He often returns to France for preventive injury treatment. Dembele also follows a diet by employing a professional nutritionist.

"After one injury, then two, then three, you realize you have to take care of your body. High-level football requires that. Talent alone isn't enough. I understand I have to strengthen my body, eat healthily, and get enough sleep. All of that paid off today at PSG. I'm happy," he told FourFourTwo.

After being healthy and fit, a player can fully maximize their talent. This is what Dembele experienced with PSG last season. It is certainly not easy to regain confidence after recurring injuries. Fortunately, he is coached by Luis Enrique, who has a deep understanding of player psychology.

Enrique teaches many new things, from technical to non-technical matters. Dembele was introduced to a new position in his career, as a false nine, transitioning from being a winger. The player was also given more trust to become one of the leaders in the team.

I have experienced many difficult moments, much like life in general. There are challenging moments. Challenges arise. You just need to face them.

Dembele's abilities have improved with a new mentality and position. His strengths extend beyond his speed and dribbling ability. The striker is also formidable defensively. "Give Dembele the Ballon d'Or just for the way he defended in the final," Enrique said after the Champions League final.

Enrique's role is very crucial, but the key to the resurgence lies in Dembele's strong willingness. There are not many star players willing to suppress their egos to learn new things outside their comfort zones. Moreover, when a forward is asked to defend with the same tenacity as a holding midfielder.

Dembele received feedback like a blank sheet of paper. In fact, he did not get angry with Enrique when he was excluded from the squad against Arsenal at the beginning of last season. He performed even better after that incident. "I made a few mistakes, but that decision (by Enrique) was correct," said Dembele when asked at the Ballon d'Or event.

For the past two decades, the Ballon d'Or award has felt like a mere statistical competition. This is especially true when the rivalry has been alternately dominated by Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Finalists have been compared based on the number of goals and assists, as well as the tally of trophies won with their respective teams.

After all, football is bigger than numbers or individuals. "It's an individual trophy, but it takes collective effort to win it. The Ballon d'Or wasn't my career goal, but it was incredible to win it. I worked hard to win the Champions League," said Dembele.

On stage, Dembele did not appear to be the megastar at the pinnacle of the world. He continuously demonstrated humility by elevating the roles of those around him. From his mother, to Enrique, who is regarded as a father figure, to Messi, who has provided significant assistance at Barca.

When figures like Ronaldo and Messi seem to shine wherever they are, Dembele appears unable to develop without the existing ecosystem. However, that is where the inspiration from this versatile player lies. He restores the essence that football is a team game.

The ups and downs of Dembele's journey are a life lesson. Falling once is not a problem, as long as you get back up. His resurgence feels like a collective victory. "I have experienced many difficult moments, just like life in general. There are tough moments. Challenges come. You just need to face them," he concluded. (AP/REUTERS)

Name: Ousmane Dembele

Place, date of birth: Vernon, France, May 15, 1997

Age: 28 years old

Club: Paris Saint-Germain

Achievements:

2025 Ballon d’Or winners

2018 World Cup Champion

3x Spanish League Champion

2x French League Champion

2024-25 Champions League Winner

2024-25 French League Golden Boot