Ousmane Dembélé (28, Paris Saint-Germain) has been honored as the best player of the 'War of the Stars.'
The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) announced on the 2nd (Korean time) through its official website that 'Dembélé has been selected as the UEFA Champions League Player of the Year for the 2024-2025 season. The PSG forward received this award after playing a pivotal role in his team's journey towards glory.'
This result was expected. PSG triumphed over Inter Milan with a score of 5-0 in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) final held at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, on the 1st.
With this, PSG achieved their dream by winning the big-eared trophy (UCL trophy) for the first time in 55 years since their founding in 1970. Furthermore, they achieved a historic 'quadruple' following the Ligue 1, Trophée des Champions, and Coupe de France victories.
It was a one-sided match. PSG took the lead just 12 minutes into the game with Achraf Hakimi's opening goal following a perfect assist from Désiré Doué. Hakimi, who shook the net against his former team, refrained from celebrating out of respect.
In the 20th minute of the first half, the shot from Doué, who received a pass from Dembélé, was deflected off the defense and led to an additional goal. Subsequently, Inter pressed for a comeback, but could not achieve any results. Marcus Thuram's powerful header also narrowly missed the goal.
There was no turn of events in the second half either. Instead, PSG pulled ahead with Doué's brace, making it 3-0. In the 63rd minute, Dembélé came down to the halfway line to connect a pass, initiating the counterattack. Vitinha quickly made a run and delivered a through ball, which Doué finished with an accurate right-foot shot.
Once PSG's firepower exploded, it did not stop. In the 73rd minute, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored a decisive goal, and in the 81st minute, 2006-born Seny Mayulu also got on the scoresheet, completing the 5-0 rout. Unfortunately, Lee Kang-in remained on the bench until the end, but the match concluded with PSG's historic grand victory.
Dembélé was not only the player of the match (POTM) but also took home the title of tournament's best player. He started the final as a forward in the 4-3-3 formation, diligently moving between the flanks and the center while making significant contributions. His final statistics included two assists, a passing success rate of 97% (39/45), three created chances, one big chance created, and four shots.
Dembélé led PSG's attack throughout the tournament. He played in 15 UCL matches, scoring a total of eight goals and providing six assists while registering attacking points in every round of the tournament. He surpassed Kylian Mbappé, who left for Real Madrid last summer, to set a new record for the most attacking points in a single UCL season in PSG history.
Now, Dembélé has also captured the title of UCL Player of the Year. A UEFA technical observer noted, 'Dembélé not only scored eight goals but took on the role of leader for PSG, as seen in the final, working hard to press from the front. Moreover, his intelligent movements confused the opponents. Thanks to that, PSG was able to secure an advantage in midfield.'
In addition, UEFA added, 'At 28 years old, Dembélé has performed outstandingly throughout the season and was the top scorer for PSG. This includes a crucial goal that sparked a dramatic turnaround against Manchester City, a hat trick against Stuttgart, and the winning goals against Liverpool and Arsenal.'
After the victory, Dembélé expressed, 'Since I was very young, ever since I started playing football, I've dreamed of playing in the Champions League.' He added, 'Reaching the final was truly an amazing thing, and winning was even more incredible.'
He further stated, 'It’s an unbelievable feeling. I am proud of the journey we’ve taken. I am proud of everything I have done throughout my career to achieve this result. It’s really great.'
Now, Dembélé is also targeting his first Ballon d'Or win. He is currently leading in various media and betting site dividends for the Ballon d'Or, outpacing players like Raphinha and Lamine Yamal (both from Barcelona). If Dembélé wins the Ballon d'Or in this way, he will become the first player in history to receive the Ballon d'Or trophy while playing for PSG. Lionel Messi won the Ballon d'Or while wearing a PSG uniform in November 2021, but since he switched teams during the summer transfer window, his award was based on his performance at Barcelona.
Luis Enrique, PSG's manager, also voiced that Dembélé should win the Ballon d'Or. He stated, 'Dembélé led the team with humility and leadership. Just his defensive contributions in the final alone make him deserving of the Ballon d'Or. Goals, victories, leadership, defense, pressing... Dembélé is the Ballon d'Or in my heart. There’s no doubt about it.'
[Photo] PSG, Sports Premium, Sports Kida, Foot Mercato, UCL social media.
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