Looking back from 2026, I still remember the buzz around the 69th Ballon d'Or. The ceremony took place on Monday 22 September at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. The award, the most prestigious individual prize in football, honored the best player from the previous season. For years, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo dominated—13 of 15 trophies from 2008 to 2023. But by 2025, they were no longer at their peak, and the field was wide open. Rodri had narrowly beaten Vinicius Jr. in 2024. So who would take the 2025 crown? I had my answer.

ballon-d-or-2025-why-ousmane-dembele-was-my-clear-winner-image-0

Jamie Carragher, speaking on CBS Sports Golazo, narrowed the 30 nominees to six. His list was Ousmane Dembele, Achraf Hakimi, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Kylian Mbappe, and Mohamed Salah. I found it hard to argue.

Player Club Key 2024/25 argument
Ousmane Dembele Paris Saint-Germain Four trophies, including PSG's first Champions League; goals and assists
Achraf Hakimi Paris Saint-Germain Elite full-back play in a historic quadruple season
Lamine Yamal Barcelona Domestic treble and electric creativity
Raphinha Barcelona Domestic treble and consistent attacking output
Kylian Mbappe Real Madrid 44 goals in a superb debut season, despite no silverware
Mohamed Salah Liverpool Premier League title and arguably his best individual season

Let me break down why Carragher's six made sense to me. PSG were brilliant in 2024/25, winning four trophies, including Ligue 1 and the Champions League for the first time in their history. Dembele was not just a part of that; he was a driving force. Hakimi was outstanding too, but a full-back rarely wins the Ballon d'Or. Barcelona won a domestic treble under Hansi Flick, and Yamal and Raphinha were central to that success. Yet they fell short in Europe, which always matters in this vote. Mbappe scored 44 times for Real Madrid, but his team ended the campaign without silverware. Salah fired Liverpool to their second Premier League title, and he had a season for the ages. Still, the Champions League carries a special weight.

Then came the voice that mattered to me. Thierry Henry, who finished runner-up in 2003 and third in 2006, did not hesitate. Even though he played for Barcelona during his career, he backed Dembele over Yamal. 'I don't even have to talk,' Henry said, giving his compatriot full support. Carragher agreed, arguing the Frenchman should finally lift the trophy.

Dembele himself spoke about what it would mean. He told FourFourTwo: 'After a season like that – four titles, scoring, assisting – it is normal to be considered one of the favourites for the award. For an individual trophy, there's nothing better for a footballer. It's the Holy Grail of football. When you see all the legends who have won it, it's exceptional.'

ballon-d-or-2025-why-ousmane-dembele-was-my-clear-winner-image-1

Was there ever a real debate? I kept asking myself: What more could Dembele do? He was the engine of PSG's historic quadruple. He scored, assisted, and delivered on the biggest stage. The Ballon d'Or rewards the best player from the previous season, not just the most hyped youngster. Yamal was magical, and he will win one someday. But 2025 belonged to Dembele. In 2026, we know the answer: Dembele won the 2025 Ballon d'Or. The award validated Carragher and Henry's calls. It also marked a new era—the first French winner since Karim Benzema in 2022, and a reminder that club success in Europe still carries enormous weight. 🏆⚽🔥

ballon-d-or-2025-why-ousmane-dembele-was-my-clear-winner-image-2

I remember arguing with friends throughout that summer. I told anyone who would listen: If Dembele wins the Champions League and produces in the final, how can you give it to Yamal? The Champions League is the biggest club stage. Dembele was decisive. Yamal was brilliant, but Barcelona fell short in Europe. Raphinha had a great season, but Dembele had the ultimate prize. Salah was magnificent, yet Liverpool's season was not at PSG's level. Mbappe scored 44, but football is about trophies. Hakimi was outstanding, but a full-back rarely wins the Ballon d'Or. So the logic was clear.

Henry's endorsement was not just sentiment. He knows what it takes to be in the conversation. He finished second in 2003 and third in 2006. He never won it. So when he says 'I don't even have to talk,' it carries weight. He sees in Dembele a player who suffered, adapted, and then exploded. That is a Ballon d'Or story.

Now, in 2026, the 70th Ballon d'Or is on the horizon. The debate will shift to new names and new seasons. Lamine Yamal is still a superstar. Kylian Mbappe is still chasing his first Ballon d'Or. Mohamed Salah continues to defy age. But the 2025 award is settled. Dembele's name is on the list. And for me, that is exactly how it should be. He turned a great season into the Holy Grail, and I will always remember the 2025 race as the year when Ousmane Dembele deserved every bit of it.