Dembélé crowned best male player

Ousmane Dembélé’s remarkable year concluded with him being named the Best Male Player at the prestigious Globe Soccer Awards held in the UAE. These awards, which have been celebrating both men’s and women’s football since 2010, recognized Dembélé for his outstanding contributions to the sport.

A year of accolades and triumphs

The PSG star added this accolade to a string of individual honors, including the Ballon d’Or and FIFA’s Best Player of the Year. Dembélé’s performance during the 2024/25 season was exceptional, scoring 35 goals across all competitions and playing a crucial role in PSG’s historic Champions League victory.

A historic Champions League campaign

PSG’s path to glory included defeating three Premier League teams in the knockout stages and a dominant 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in one of the most one-sided Champions League finals ever.

Challenges in the new season

Despite facing injuries in the 2025/26 season, Dembélé’s early performance secured his position as the world’s best player. His journey from a promising talent at FC Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund to a global football icon is now complete.

Rising star Lamine Yamal also shines

Yamal rewarded at the ceremony, Dembélé triumphs.

While Dembélé took home the top honor, young Barcelona star Lamine Yamal made his mark by winning two awards. At just 18, Yamal was named “Best Forward” and received the Diego Armando Maradona Award, highlighting his exceptional skill and technique.

Competition among football elites

Yamal was in contention for the Best Male Player award alongside Kylian Mbappé, Raphinha, and Vitinha, but it was Dembélé who ultimately emerged victorious. Earlier in the month, Yamal was also a nominee for the FIFA Best Player award, once again alongside Mbappé and Dembélé.

Dembélé’s gratitude and reflections

Upon receiving his award at the FIFA Best Awards, Dembélé expressed his appreciation, stating, “I want to thank my teammates,” while holding his trophy. “Hard work pays off, and this year has been fantastic for me both individually and collectively.”