What Messi and Ronaldo Never Managed, Ousmane Dembélé Has Now Achieved

For well over a decade, the world of football revolved around two towering figures: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Between them, they monopolised virtually every major individual honour, redefining excellence and setting benchmarks that many believed would never be surpassed. As both icons gradually enter the twilight of their illustrious careers, a new generation has begun to claim the spotlight. Among them, no name has shone brighter in 2025 than that of Ousmane Dembélé.

The French forward has enjoyed a truly extraordinary year, combining team success with individual brilliance. Playing for Paris Saint-Germain, Dembélé was instrumental in delivering the club’s most coveted prize: their first-ever UEFA Champions League title. Alongside domestic triumphs in Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France, PSG completed a historic treble, with Dembélé at the very heart of their attacking play.

The crowning moment of his personal journey arrived on Sunday night in Dubai, where he was named Best Men’s Player at the Globe Soccer Awards. With that accolade, Dembélé etched his name into football history by achieving a feat neither Messi nor Ronaldo ever managed: winning the Ballon d’Or, the FIFA Best Men’s Player award, and the Globe Soccer Best Player award all within the same calendar year.

Since its inception in 2010, the Globe Soccer Awards have honoured the very best in the game through a two-stage selection process. Fans from across the globe cast their votes from a shortlist of nominees, after which a distinguished jury—comprising journalists, agents, coaches and former players—selects the final winners. Dembélé’s triumph therefore reflects not only popular acclaim, but also expert recognition.

Ousmane Dembélé’s Individual Honours in 2025 :

Statistically, his season was just as compelling as his silverware collection. Across all competitions, Dembélé scored 35 goals and provided 16 assists, consistently delivering in decisive moments. In the race for individual honours, he surpassed elite rivals such as Kylian Mbappé, Raphinha, Vitinha and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.

Speaking after receiving his award, Dembélé remained characteristically grounded:
“I want to thank everyone who voted for me. I’m grateful to my teammates, the staff, and the club’s leadership. Special thanks to Luís Campos and coach Luis Enrique. These individual awards make me proud, but I’ve always believed football is about the team first.”

Selected Winners at the 2025 Globe Soccer Awards :

In a year defined by transition in world football, Ousmane Dembélé has not merely filled the void left by legends—he has carved out a legacy uniquely his own.