Not even Cristiano Ronaldo managed it: Ousmane Dembele makes historical past with uncommon feat, becoming a member of Lionel Messi, Zinedine Zidane, and Ronaldinho amongst few

When soccer icons are talked about, sure names instantly resonate: Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi. Legends whose careers have been outlined not simply by their brilliance, however by the rarest type of achievement. Now, in 2025, one other title has been added to that firm. Ousmane Dembele’s newest triumph has elevated him right into a membership of solely ten gamers within the historical past of the game, a distinction so distinctive that even Cristiano Ronaldo, Johan Cruyff, and Ronaldo Nazario by no means touched it.

The journey, nevertheless, has been something however simple. From harm setbacks and doubts over his professionalism, to redemption in Paris with PSG, the Frenchman has lastly carved his title into soccer folklore.

The Theatre du Chatelet in Paris as soon as once more hosted the Ballon d’Or gala, soccer’s most prestigious particular person awards ceremony. On this glittering night time, Ousmane Dembele was named the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner, whereas Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati claimed the ladies’s title for the third yr operating.

For the 28-year-old, the award capped a season of transformation. The Frenchman delivered 35 targets and 16 assists throughout 53 matches, spearheading PSG to a historic quadruple that included Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and, most significantly, the membership’s first-ever Champions League.

From flop to false 9

Only a yr earlier, Dembele’s future seemed unsure. He was briefly sidelined by Luis Enrique because of disciplinary points. However when Kylian Mbappe departed for Actual Madrid, the Parisians’ coach handed him a brand new function — as a central ahead. It proved to be career-defining.

As soon as recognized primarily for dazzling dribbles and assists, Dembele turned ruthless in entrance of aim. He not solely thrived within the Champions League, contributing 14 direct aim involvements in simply 15 matches, but additionally confirmed maturity together with his urgent and defending in PSG’s 5-0 ultimate victory over Inter. The participant as soon as labeled as a media “flop” at Barcelona had been reborn in Paris.

Finishing the holy trinity

However the Ballon d’Or alone was not the story. With this victory, Ousmane Dembele joined an unique membership of simply ten gamers in soccer historical past to realize what many name the game’s “holy trinity” — profitable the Ballon d’Or, the Champions League, and the World Cup.

The Frenchman lifted the World Cup with France in 2018. He lastly claimed the Champions League with PSG in 2025. And now, the Ballon d’Or.

The listing of gamers who accomplished the treble is astonishing: Bobby Charlton, Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Muller, Paolo Rossi, Zinedine Zidane, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, Kaka, Lionel Messi… and now Ousmane Dembele.