Ousmane Dembele Recognised As Champions League Player Of The Season For 2024-25 After PSG Triumph

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Ousmane Dembele has been honoured as the Champions League Player of the Season for 2024-25. His outstanding performance was pivotal in Paris Saint-Germain's historic European triumph. PSG, under Luis Enrique, achieved a treble by adding the Champions League title to their Ligue 1 and Coupe de France victories. They defeated Inter with a record-breaking 5-0 scoreline in the final.

Dembele's contributions were crucial, even though he didn't score in the final. He assisted Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, becoming the first player since Marcelo in 2018 to provide two assists in a Champions League final. His overall tally of 14 goal involvements (eight goals, six assists) is second only to Karim Benzema's 17 for a French player in a single season.

Luis Enrique praised Dembele, suggesting he deserves recognition as the world's best player. UEFA's technical observer group echoed this sentiment by naming him the tournament's standout player. The group included notable figures like Gareth Southgate and Rafa Benitez.

Dembele not only scored eight goals but also emerged as a leader for PSG. His relentless pressing from the front was evident in the final. His intelligent movement often unsettled opponents, dropping deep to strengthen PSG's midfield presence.

In terms of goal contributions, only Barcelona's Raphinha (13 goals, eight assists) and Borussia Dortmund's Serhou Guirassy (13 goals, four assists) surpassed Dembele during this season’s tournament. For PSG, only Zlatan Ibrahimovic has scored more goals in a single Champions League campaign.

Young Talent Shines

Desire Doue also made history by becoming the first player with three goal involvements in a Champions League final at just 19 years and 362 days old. He joined an elite group of teenagers who have scored in such finals, alongside Patrick Kluivert and Carlos Alberto.

Senny Mayulu, another 19-year-old talent, netted PSG’s fifth goal against Inter. Both Dembele and Doue were named in the Champions League Team of the Season alongside teammates Vitinha, Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes, Marquinhos, and Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni and Arsenal’s Declan Rice were also included in this elite team. Barcelona wingers Raphinha and Lamine Yamal featured despite their semi-final exit. Yamal earned Goal of the Season for his solo effort against Inter.

The achievements of these players highlight their significant impact on this season’s competition. Their performances have set new standards for excellence on Europe’s biggest stage.