- Dembele praises PSG, Coach Enrique and teammates for support.
- PSG wins more awards, including the season team.
- Barcas Bonmati wins third consecutive women Ballon d’Or.
Ousmane Dembele was named the world’s best player of the season as he claimed the Ballon d’Or on an evening of triumph for his Paris St Germain Club, while Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati, a serial trophy winner, Women’s Award claimed Monday.
The 28-year-old France’s Tip Dembele, who needed the time and guidance of PSG coach Luis Enrique to fulfill his potential as he inspired Capital Club to their first Champions League title last season, became the sixth French player to lift the award and the first since Karim Benzema in 2022.
He beat Spain and Barcelona Frem Lamine Yamal, where his PSG teammate Vitinha occupies third place.
“What I have just experienced is unusual, I have no words to what happened to PSG. I feel a little stress, it is not easy to win this trophy, and to have it presented to me by Ronaldinho, a legend about football, is unique,” said Dembele on stage against a Paris ceremony, where he was supported by several teammates, the others who were in Marseille. The 1 clashes against as they lost 1-0.
“I would like to thank PSG who came to pick me up in 2023. It is an incredible family. President Nasser (Al-Khelaifi) is like a father to me. I would also like to thank all the staff and coach who has been unusual with me-he is also like a father-and-all my teammates.
“We have practically won everything. You supported me in the good and difficult times. This individual trophy is a team has won collectively,” he added, and later jumped in tears as he thanked his mother, who joined him on stage.
He also mentioned his first Club Stade Rennais and the Country Cape and promised to win another World Cup next year with Coach Didier Deschamps after their victory in 2018.
“A nice evening for him and a very good thing for French football. Ous” is one that is very sensitive, he has had a difficult career with serious injuries, but he has always kept things in perspective, “Deschamps said.
Dembele’s award was one of several for PSG who won the treble of the Champions League, Ligue 1 and the French Cup last season as well as UEFA Super Cup this year.
The French masters were named the season of the season, Luis Enrique was named best coach, and Gianluigi Donnarumma, who traveled to Manchester City in the close season, was recognized as top goalkeeper with Yashin Trophy.
“That’s the result of hard work by everyone in the club,” said PSG President Al-Khelaifi. “We have young players and stars working for the team. It’s a collective performance.”
Spain’s Bonmati, Season’s Champions League player, won the Women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time in a row, while England’s Dutch manager Sarina Wiegman was honored as the Women’s Coach after leading her side to the European title.
“I’m amazed and proud because it’s very hard work. I’m here for the third time in a row because of the teams I’ve been playing with,” said the 27-year-old Bonmati.
“We couldn’t win the Champions League this year, but we went to the final and it’s football, it’s not always about winning or losing,” she added where Barca had lost 1-0 to Arsenal in this year’s final in Europe’s elite club competition.
