Ousmane Dembele was named the world’s best player of the season after claiming the Ballon d’Or, marking a remarkable evening for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati also achieved a significant milestone by winning the women’s award for the third consecutive time.

The 28-year-old French forward, who thrived under the guidance of PSG coach Luis Enrique, played a crucial role in leading the club to its first Champions League title last season. Dembele became the sixth French player to win the prestigious award, following Karim Benzema, who won it in 2022.

Dembele finished ahead of Lamine Yamal of Spain and Barcelona who took second place, while PSG teammate Vitinha secured third. “What I have just experienced us exceptional. It’s not easy to win this trophy”, Dembele expressed during the ceremony in Paris, where he was joined by several teammates.

He thanked PSG, its president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and coach Luis Enrique who he described as a father figure. “This individual trophy is one the team has won collectively”, he added, becoming emotional as he acknowledged his mother.

PSG had a steller night, also receiving the Team of the Season award, with Luis Enrique named Best Coach. Gianluigi Donnarumma, who recently transferred to Manchester City was awarded the Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper.

In the women’s category, Bonmati who was also named Champion’s league Player of the Season, expressed her pride in winning the Ballon d’Or again.

“It’s a lot of hard work and I’m here for the third time in a row because of the teams I’ve been playing with”, the 27-year-old said.

Despite not winning the Champion’s League final against Arsenal, Bonmati highlighted the importance of teamwork in football.