Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé has been awarded the Ballon d’Or for the first time, capping off a remarkable season; but his win resonates far beyond Europe, in the heritage he carries and the African communities he represents.
Dembélé, 28, scored 35 goals and provided 14 assists in 53 games for PSG last season as the club won the treble, including their maiden Champions League.
He was joint top scorer in Ligue 1 with 21 goals and named French league and Champions League Player of the Year.
What many may not know: though Dembélé plays for France, he has deep roots in West Africa. His father is Malian and his mother is Mauritanian-Senegalese.
These connections give his achievements a broader significance;he is not just a star for France, but a symbol of African talent excelling on the world stage.
Dembélé beat Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal for the award, and his emotions at the ceremony where he was visibly moved reflected more than personal joy.
They spoke of ancestral pride and the journey from immigrant family roots in France to the highest individual honour football has to offer
