Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele has been named the Champions League Player of the Season, capping off a historic campaign that saw PSG claim their first-ever title with a dominant 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in Saturday’s final in Munich.
Dembele, who netted eight goals in the competition, did not score in the final but was instrumental with two assists and relentless pressing, earning praise from UEFA’s Technical Observer Group.
“Dembele has taken on the role of a leader in the Paris Saint-Germain team,” the committee noted. “He created doubts for their opponents match after match with his clever movement, dropping deep to give his team superiority in midfield.”
The French international was one of seven PSG players named in UEFA’s Team of the Season, reflecting the club’s dominant run. Other PSG stars in the squad include goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, defenders Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, and Nuno Mendes, midfielder Vitinha, and teenage sensation Desire Doue, who scored twice and assisted another in the final.
Doue was also named the Young Player of the Tournament, edging out 17-year-old Lamine Yamal of Barcelona. UEFA described Doue as a “revelation”, highlighting his dramatic rise during the knockout stages and a Player of the Match performance in the final. “He became the first teenager to score twice in a final,” the statement read.
Completing the UEFA Team of the Season were Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni, Arsenal’s Declan Rice, and Barcelona forwards Raphinha—the tournament’s joint top scorer—and Lamine Yamal.
UEFA said the selected XI reflected PSG’s exceptional mobility and attacking flexibility, noting their forward line was made up of players capable of interchanging positions fluidly.
Dembele’s standout campaign has now positioned him as a favourite for the Ballon d’Or, with PSG’s Spanish coach boldly declaring: “I’d give the Ballon d’Or to Ousmane Dembele, simply for the way he defends.”
Other top contenders for the prestigious award, which will be presented on September 22, include Donnarumma, Raphinha, and Yamal.
What you should know
Ousmane Dembele’s consistent brilliance, leadership, and tactical impact earned him UEFA’s Player of the Season award as PSG secured their maiden Champions League title.
Rising star Desire Doue also made history with a double in the final, earning Young Player of the Tournament honors.
