Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele was named the Champions League Player of the Season by UEFA on Sunday, culminating a remarkable turnaround as PSG secured their historic first Champions League title with a dominant 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in Saturday’s final.
Teenage sensation Desire Doue was also honored as the Champions League Young Player of the Season.
Dembele’s journey wasn’t without hurdles, initially benched for disciplinary reasons.
However, a switch to a central role reignited his form, leading to eight Champions League goals.
Despite not scoring in the final, manager Luis Enrique lauded his performance, stating, “I would give the Ballon d’Or to Mr. Ousmane Dembele. The way he defended tonight, just that alone could be worth the Ballon d’Or.”
Doue, 19, capped his impressive campaign by creating the opening goal in the final and scoring twice himself.
PSG’s dominance was further evident with seven players named in the Champions League Team of the Season, compared to just one from Inter.
Champions League Team of the Season:
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG)
Defenders: Achraf Hakimi (PSG), Marquinhos (PSG), Alessandro Bastoni (Inter), Nuno Mendes (PSG)
Midfielders: Vitinha (PSG), Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Forwards: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Desire Doue (PSG), Ousmane Dembele (PSG), Raphinha (Barcelona)
