Dembélé Deserves More Than Headlines: Benzema Champions His Ballon d’Or 2025
12 December 2025
Golden Spotlight, Finally
Karim Benzema, star of Al-Ittihad, voices strong support for his compatriot Ousmane Dembélé, Paris Saint-Germain winger and Ballon d’Or winner for 2025. In an interview with L’Equipe, Benzema notes that when we talk about Dembélé we are discussing a Ballon d’Or laureate who, in his view, has not yet received the full recognition his stature deserves.
He adds that what Dembélé achieved with PSG last season was unprecedented, a statement that echoes the sentiment of many fans who watched those electric runs and decisive moments on the pitch. The trust in Dembélé’s ability is clear, even if the media spotlight doesn’t always do him justice.
Credit Where It’s Due
The former Real Madrid star argues that we may be underappreciating Dembélé—arguably the best player in the world at times—because we don’t always spotlight the season that spoke so loudly. Benzema recalls the obstacles Dembélé faced at Barcelona, injuries that could have derailed lesser players, yet he kept pushing and eventually reached football’s highest honor.
“I’m saying this because what he delivered with Paris last season was unprecedented,” Benzema says. He believes the world should give Dembélé the credit he has earned, not merely the headlines that often accompany a Ballon d’Or winner.
He continues, “We don’t highlight the season he delivered enough; he has come a long way and proven himself.”
Season of Triumph
The interview closes with Benzema praising Dembélé’s resilience and form. The 2024-2025 campaign is described as the best of Dembélé’s career, tallying 35 goals and 16 assists in 55 matches across all competitions. He helped PSG win five domestic and European titles, including the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Super Cup for the club’s first time in history, plus a silver at the Club World Cup.
“He proved the doubters wrong,” Benzema adds, “and I am genuinely impressed by what he has achieved.”
Two quick snipers for the road: 1) If trophies had a price tag, Dembélé would still pay full price—his season was worth every penny. 2) And Benzema? He’s got a way of turning praise into a dazzling trophy shelf; the glow is real.
