French striker Ousmane Dembélé, from Paris Saint-Germain, was elected the best player in the world in the Fifa The Best 2025 award, in a ceremony held in Doha, at Catar, this Tuesday (16). The award consolidates the exceptional year of the 28-year-old player, who had already won the Bola from Ouro in September, after leading PSG to the unprecedented Champions League title in the 2024/25 season. The final of the Copa Intercontinental, equivalent to the Mundial of the annual Clubes, takes place this Wednesday (17), at 8pm local time (2pm on Brasília), in the Estádio Ahmad bin Ali, in Al Rayyan, against the Flamengo.
Dembélé surpassed competitors such as Lamine Yamal, from Barcelona, and Kylian Mbappé, from Sua performance included 35 goals and 14 assists in 53 matches, numbers that highlighted his tactical evolution and efficiency. French became a central part of Luis Enrique’s scheme, especially after the departure of Mbappé.
PSG arrives at the decision as favorites, defending the European title won with a 5-0 victory over Inter of Milão in the final of Champions. Já o Flamengo, champion of Libertadores 2025, advanced after beating Cruz Azul and Pyramids in the previous phases.
Finale INTERCONTINENTALE : dans les COULISSES avant le grand soir! 👀#FIFAIntercontinentalCup
—Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside)December 17, 2025
Trajectory from Dembélé to the top
Ousmane Dembélé started his career at Rennes, where he exploded with 12 goals in Ligue 1 2015/16. Sua speed and ambidexterity attracted attention, leading to the transfer to Borussia Dortmund. Lá, contributed 10 goals and 21 assists in one season.
At Barcelona, signed for a high price, he faced recurring injuries that limited his streak. In six years, he registered 40 goals and 42 assists, but missed hundreds of days of training. The return to PSG, in 2023, marked a gradual turnaround.
In the 2024/25 season, without Mbappé as the main reference, Dembélé assumed a central role. Atuou as a false nine in several games, increasing presence in the area and efficiency in finishing. Seus decisive goals in the Champions qualifiers were fundamental to the Parisian club’s unprecedented title.
Frenchman’s versatile playing style
Dembélé stands out for his unpredictability on the field. Pode start on the right, migrate to the left or centralize, always maintaining ambidexterity in finishing and passing. Sua high-speed driving and dribbling remain trademarks.
In the European campaign, he evolved in high pressure, leading defensive recompositions. Luis Enrique emphasized his contribution without the ball, transforming him into the first defender. Isso dismantled opposing lines in key games against Arsenal and Inter.
- Ambidextrous: finishes with precision using both feet.
- Mobility: attacks depth and opens spaces for teammates like Barcola and Doué.
- Efficiency: started to prioritize objective plays, with infiltrations and quick touches.
- Intensity: actively participates in pressure and recomposition.
These attributes raise PSG’s collective level, making them a constant threat even without scoring directly.
Preparing teams for the decision
PSG arrived at Catar with full focus on the match. Luis Enrique spared starters in recent rounds of Ligue 1 to preserve the squad. Ausências as well as Achraf Hakimi are confirmed, while Marquinhos must be fit.
Flamengo, coached by Filipe Luís, arrives with competitive rhythm after convincing victories in the preliminary stages. The Rio team is looking for the second world title in its history, repeating the 1981 feat.
Both teams have influential Brazilians: Marquinhos captains PSG, while Rubro-Negro has players like Arrascaeta and Bruno Henrique. The match promises tactical balance in a neutral environment.
Numbers that define the season of Dembélé
Dembélé played 53 games in the award-winning season, scoring 35 goals. Sua average participation in decisive goals surpassed previous campaigns. Na Champions, contributed directly in the knockout stages.
PSG won Ligue 1, Copa of França and Supercopa domestically, in addition to Champions. The European campaign included unbeaten streaks and impressive scores.
- Goals in qualifiers: decisive against opponents like Real Madrid and Inter.
- Assists: 14, distributed in key moments.
- Hat-tricks: recorded in continental competitions.
- Presence in the area: significant increase after tactical repositioning.
This data reinforces his transformation from unbalanced winger to complete offensive leader.
Tactical challenges in the intercontinental final
The confrontation pits PSG’s aggressive team against the defensive organization of Flamengo. Dembélé, if confirmed on the field, requires special attention from the red and black marking. Sua mobility can explore spaces in quick transitions.
Flamengo bets on quick counterattacks and solidity in midfield. The experience of players like De La Cruz and Pedro can balance forces. The decision defines the annual world champion of Fifa.
Luis Enrique highlighted the quality of the opponent in recent interviews. Do Brazilian side, Filipe Luís emphasized respect for the European champion, but confidence in the game plan.
Legacy of the award for French football
The double achievement of Dembélé unites Bola from Ouro and The Best in the same year, a rare feat. Ele joins names like Messi and Ronaldo in this brand. The success reflects PSG’s post-individual star project.
The Parisian club consolidates European hegemony after years of investment. The final at Catar represents an unprecedented global title opportunity for the French.
The award in Doha, the day before the decision, motivates the cast. Dembélé thanked colleagues and the committee in an acceptance speech.
Expectations for the duel in Al Rayyan
Estádio Ahmad bin Ali receives a large crowd for the match. Transmissões covers free-to-air and paid channels on Brasil. Fifa promotes the event as a bridge to future expanded formats.
Analysts point to favoritism for PSG due to the depth of the squad. However, Flamengo demonstrated resilience in previous stages against African and North American teams.