Dembélé wins Golden Onze ahead of Ballon d’Or announcement
Ousmane Dembélé has added another individual honor to his name, strengthening his case for the 2025 Ballon d’Or. The French winger was announced as the winner of the Golden Onze, an annual award presented by Onze Mondial magazine to the best footballer in Europe.
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Dembélé capped off a sensational season with 35 goals and 16 assists in 53 appearances across all competitions, helping him narrowly edge out Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal in the fan vote. The Paris Saint-Germain forward received 32.5% of the votes, while Yamal earned 30%.
The Golden Onze, which has been awarded since 1976, is unique in that it is decided entirely by readers of the magazine. Lionel Messi remains the record-holder with four wins, while last season’s award was not presented.
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This latest accolade further highlights Dembélé’s incredible form and positions him as one of the frontrunners for the Ballon d’Or, which will be revealed on September 22.
Key Stats from Dembélé’s Season
- Games played: 53
- Goals: 35
- Assists: 16
- Golden Onze votes: 32.5% (winner)
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A Two-Horse Race?
The battle for the Ballon d’Or seems to be shaping into a duel between Dembélé and Lamine Yamal, whose rapid rise at Barcelona has made him one of the most exciting young players in the world. With the Golden Onze already in his pocket, Dembélé has gained crucial momentum ahead of football’s biggest individual prize.
How Much is the Ballon d’Or Trophy Really Worth?
The Ballon d’Or, awarded annually by France Football since 1956, is the most prestigious individual prize in world football. Voted on by journalists, it honours the player who best defined excellence in a season. The trophy itself is crafted from brass, pyrite, and 18-carat gold, standing 31 cm tall and weighing 7 kg, with an estimated material value of around €3,000, but its symbolic worth is far greater, with experts suggesting it could fetch hundreds of thousands at auction. Past winners include legends like George Best, Johan Cruyff, and modern icons Lionel Messi, who holds the record with eight wins, and Cristiano Ronaldo with five.
SportsLigue