Dembele and Bonmati Triumph at Prestigious Football Awards

Ousmane Dembele, the 28-year-old forward from France, has been awarded a top football honor, marking a significant milestone in his career. At a ceremony held in Paris, Dembele received the prestigious award following his pivotal role in helping Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secure their first UEFA Champions League title last season. He is the sixth French player to win this accolade, following in the footsteps of Karim Benzema, who last won it in 2022.

Dembele triumphed over Lamine Yamal of Spain and Barcelona, with his PSG teammate Vitinha finishing in third place. “What I have just experienced is exceptional,” Dembele expressed during the event. “Winning this trophy is not easy, and having it presented to me by Ronaldinho, a legend of football, makes it even more special.”

The ceremony, attended by several of his teammates, coincided with PSG’s match against Marseille, which they lost 1-0. Dembele took a moment to express gratitude towards PSG, stating, “I want to thank PSG who came to get me in 2023. It’s an incredible family. The president, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, is like a father to me.” He acknowledged the support from the coaching staff and his teammates, emphasizing that this individual award symbolizes collective achievement.

As Dembele delivered his heartfelt speech, he became emotional while thanking his mother, who was present on stage. He also reminisced about his first club, Stade Rennais, and expressed a desire to win another World Cup next year under the guidance of national team coach Didier Deschamps.

Deschamps praised Dembele, highlighting his resilience through a career marked by significant injuries. “Ousmane is someone who is very sensitive; he has had a difficult career but has always kept things in perspective,” he commented.

PSG’s success extended beyond Dembele’s individual award. The club also celebrated a remarkable season, securing a treble that included the UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1, and the French Cup. In addition, Luis Enrique was named Best Coach, and Gianluigi Donnarumma received the Yashin Trophy for being the top goalkeeper, despite his recent transfer to Manchester City.

“It’s the result of hard work by everyone at the club,” Al-Khelaifi remarked. “We’ve got young players and stars who work for the team. This is a collective achievement.”

In parallel, Aitana Bonmati from Spain secured her third consecutive women’s Ballon d’Or, further solidifying her status as a leading figure in women’s football. Bonmati, who also played a key role in the Champions League, shared her pride in achieving this honor. “I’m amazed and proud because it’s a lot of hard work,” she stated. Although her team, Barcelona, did not win the Champions League this year, reaching the final is still a significant accomplishment.

Sarina Wiegman, the Dutch manager of the England women’s national team, was recognized as the Women’s Coach of the Year after guiding her team to victory in the UEFA Women’s European Championship.

The awards ceremony showcased the dedication and talent present in both men’s and women’s football, highlighting the continuing evolution of the sport on a global stage.