PSG’s commanding UCL triumph over Inter Milan sparks Ballon d'Or shake-up as a new contender emerges for the accolade

Paris Saint-Germain etched their name into the annals of football history with a thunderous 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League final at the Allianz Arena, Munich. The emphatic victory not only secured the long-coveted European crown for the French giants but also catapulted winger Ousmane Dembele into the Ballon d'Or spotlight—marking a significant shift in this year’s race for football's most prestigious individual honour.

PSG finally conquer Europe with statement win

After years of heartbreak and near-misses on the continental stage, PSG finally lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy—and in some style. The team, managed by Luis Enrique, delivered a footballing masterclass that overwhelmed Inter Milan from the outset.

Desire Doue set the tone with a clinical brace, while Achraf Hakimi, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and rising star Senny Mayulu each found the back of the net to complete the rout. The performance not only underscored PSG’s dominance but also highlighted the incredible depth and flair within their squad.

Ousmane Dembele emerges as Ballon d'Or frontrunner

Central to PSG’s success this season has been the sensational form of Ousmane Dembele. The 28-year-old Frenchman has recorded an astonishing 33 goals and 15 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions—a statistical output that now sees him leading the Ballon d'Or race.

Following the Champions League final, bookmakers slashed Dembele’s odds to 1/2, placing him ahead of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal (3/1), Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (8/1), and Barcelona winger Raphinha (20/1). If current momentum holds, Ousmane Dembele could be lifting the Ballon d'Or later this year—a fitting tribute to a career-defining season.

Praise for Luis Enrique’s Tactical Brilliance
The victory has also reignited conversations around PSG boss Luis Enrique and his legacy in elite football management. Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard lauded the Spaniard on TNT Sports, saying:
“Does Luis Enrique deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as Carlo Ancelotti, Jose Mourinho or Pep Guardiola? The answer is yes... They're getting coached by a special person.”

Echoing that sentiment, Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand added:
“Luis Enrique is a remarkable human being... He has continued and gone from strength to strength.”

As the dust settles on PSG’s historic night, it’s clear that the 2025 Ballon d'Or race has taken a dramatic turn. With his trophy cabinet swelling and stats that speak for themselves, Ousmane Dembele’s journey to the pinnacle of individual acclaim may just be reaching its most rewarding chapter.