As the Bible teaches us through the story of Joseph’s rise (Genesis 37–50) — sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused, imprisoned, yet lifted by God’s grace to become second-in-command in Egypt — greatness often emerges from seasons of struggle.
From forgotten to favored, Joseph’s journey inspires us to see resilience as the bridge between hardship and triumph.
In football, Ousmane Dembélé’s career has mirrored a similar narrative of perseverance. For years, he was written off as the “nearly man” of his generation: dazzling with flashes of brilliance at Rennes, Borussia Dortmund, and Barcelona, but repeatedly struck down by injuries that robbed him of consistency.
Though once hailed as one of football’s brightest young talents, Dembélé was often overlooked — never even making the shortlist for the Ballon d’Or.
But in 2025, history has been rewritten. Against all odds, Ousmane Dembélé has emerged as the Ballon d’Or winner, claiming football’s most prestigious individual award for the very first time.
Dembélé’s 2024–25 campaign was nothing short of extraordinary. Leading Paris Saint-Germain to a historic treble — Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Champions League — before guiding them to the Club World Cup final, he was the heartbeat of Luis Enrique’s side.
With 35 goals and 14 assists in all competitions, Dembélé transformed himself from a player of potential into Europe’s most feared forward.
While others like Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé, and Barcelona’s rising star Lamine Yamal dazzled, none could match Dembélé’s decisive influence when it mattered most.
His renaissance began even before PSG. At Barcelona, he had started to shift his mindset, embracing discipline and maturity. But it was his move to Paris — coupled with Mbappé’s high-profile departure to Real Madrid — that truly unlocked his potential.
Manager Luis Enrique made the expectations clear: “We want goals from you. We want you to be egotistical.” Dembélé accepted the challenge, and the results were spectacular.
Tonight, standing atop the footballing world as the Ballon d’Or winner, Ousmane Dembélé embodies the story of redemption.
From the despair of injuries and doubt to the joy of glory and recognition, his journey is a testament to patience, perseverance, and faith in one’s destiny.
Dembélé, who edged out Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal for the award, managed to attend the ceremony in Paris and broke down in tears on stage.
“What I have just experienced is exceptional, I have no words for it, what happened with PSG,” said a teary Dembele, whose mother joined him on the stage
From forgotten to favored — Joseph’s story lives again, this time in the boots of a French forward who refused to give up.
–
Story by Pius Asack
