Paris Saint-Germain’s star winger, Ousmane Dembele, has taken a significant step towards securing the prestigious 2025 Ballon d’Or after delivering a decisive performance in PSG’s dramatic UEFA Super Cup triumph over Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night.
Dembele, who was named Man of the Match for his brilliant display, played a central role as the French champions staged a stunning late comeback to overturn a two-goal deficit and claim yet another piece of silverware in a season already brimming with success.
The clash, held at a packed neutral venue in Europe, saw Tottenham take an early grip on proceedings. Goals from Micky Van de Ven and Cristian Romero put the Premier League side firmly in control, with the scoreline reading 2-0 deep into the second half. PSG, known for their attacking firepower, struggled to break down Spurs’ resolute defence for much of the game, leaving the French side on the brink of defeat.
However, with just six minutes remaining in regular time, the match took a dramatic turn. South Korean midfielder Lee Kang-in ignited PSG’s revival with a clinical strike that halved the deficit and injected fresh energy into Luis Enrique’s side.
As stoppage time ticked away, PSG pressed relentlessly for an equaliser, and it was Dembele who produced the moment of magic. Using his trademark pace and trickery, the French winger delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, which Goncalo Ramos met with a powerful header to level the game at 2-2, forcing a penalty shootout.
In the high-pressure spot-kick contest, Dembele confidently converted his penalty, helping PSG secure a 5-3 shootout victory. His performance not only earned him the individual Man of the Match honour but also added another trophy to an already glittering 2025 campaign.
A Historic Year for Dembele and PSG
The 28-year-old French international has been in scintillating form this season, and his impact has been instrumental in PSG’s unprecedented run of domestic and continental success. In 2025 alone, Dembele has lifted the Ligue 1 title, UEFA Champions League, French Cup, Trophée des Champions, and now the UEFA Super Cup.
The only piece of silverware that eluded PSG’s grasp this year was the FIFA Club World Cup, where they fell short in the final against Chelsea. Despite that setback, the club’s dominance across competitions has been remarkable, and Dembele has been at the heart of it.
His ability to turn games on their head, create scoring chances, and deliver in crucial moments has not gone unnoticed by football’s top pundits and analysts. Many are now tipping him as the clear front-runner for the Ballon d’Or, football’s highest individual honour, which recognises the world’s best player over a calendar year.
Ballon d’Or Credentials Strengthened
Dembele’s Ballon d’Or case is strengthened not just by his trophy haul but also by his consistent high-level performances. In the Champions League final earlier this year, he provided a vital assist and played a key role in PSG’s historic win, helping the club secure their second-ever European crown.
His stats for the season are equally impressive—double figures in both goals and assists across all competitions, coupled with a relentless work rate and an ability to influence matches against the very best opposition.
Football analysts point to his maturity on the pitch as a defining factor this season. Known earlier in his career for flashes of brilliance often interrupted by injuries, Dembele has maintained peak fitness throughout 2025, allowing him to feature prominently in nearly every major fixture for both club and country.
PSG’s Golden Era Continues
For PSG, the UEFA Super Cup victory is yet another chapter in what is quickly becoming a golden era for the club. Under the guidance of Luis Enrique, the French giants have combined tactical discipline with attacking flair, making them one of the most feared teams in Europe.
The addition of players like Lee Kang-in and Goncalo Ramos has bolstered the squad’s depth, but it is Dembele’s explosive wing play that has often been the difference-maker. His chemistry with the team’s attacking unit has made PSG’s frontline one of the most potent in world football.
Club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi hailed the win as “another proud moment in PSG’s history” and praised Dembele’s influence, describing him as “a player who represents the future and present of Paris Saint-Germain.”
The Road Ahead
While the Ballon d’Or ceremony is still months away, Dembele’s stock continues to rise. With the Ligue 1 season set to resume and PSG eyeing further domestic and European glory, the French winger will have ample opportunity to further cement his claim to the award.
In the international arena, Dembele is also expected to play a pivotal role for the French national team as they prepare for upcoming qualifiers and tournaments. Success on that front could make his Ballon d’Or case unassailable.
For now, his focus remains firmly on helping PSG maintain their dominance. Speaking after the Super Cup win, Dembele expressed delight at the team’s resilience:
“It was a tough match, but we never stopped believing. This team has a winning mentality, and we fight until the very last second. I’m happy to have contributed to another trophy for the club and for our fans.”
A Season to Remember
As the 2025 football calendar enters its final stretch, Ousmane Dembele’s performances have not only thrilled PSG supporters but also captivated football fans around the world. His blend of speed, creativity, and decisiveness in key moments has transformed him from a talented winger into a true global superstar.
If the Ballon d’Or were awarded today, few could argue against his claim. And with PSG still in contention for more silverware before year’s end, Dembele’s journey towards football’s ultimate individual prize is far from over.
For Paris Saint-Germain, the night in which they overcame Tottenham to lift the UEFA Super Cup will be remembered not just for the victory, but for the latest chapter in Ousmane Dembele’s extraordinary 2025 — a year that may well end with his name engraved on football’s most coveted golden ball.
