Dembele and Bonmati Celebrate Major Awards at Paris Ceremony

Ousmane Dembele and Aitana Bonmati claimed prestigious awards at a ceremony in Paris, highlighting their exceptional performances over the past year. Dembele, a forward for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), was honored for his significant role in leading the team to their first UEFA Champions League title in 2023. His recognition marks him as the sixth French player to secure this award, following in the footsteps of Karim Benzema, who won it in 2022.

Dembele triumphed over notable competitors, including Spain’s Lamine Yamal and his PSG teammate Vitinha, who placed third. “What I have just experienced is exceptional,” said Dembele during the ceremony, which took place on March 15, 2024. He expressed gratitude towards his coach, Luis Enrique, and the PSG organization, calling them an incredible family.

In a touching moment, Dembele thanked his mother, who joined him on stage. He reflected on his journey, acknowledging the support from teammates through both triumphs and challenges. He also expressed his commitment to contributing to the French national team, aiming for another World Cup victory next year under coach Didier Deschamps.

PSG’s Success Recognized

The evening was a celebration not only for Dembele but also for PSG as a whole. The club secured several accolades, including being named Team of the Season, with Luis Enrique receiving the Best Coach award. Former goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who recently transferred to Manchester City, was awarded the prestigious Yashin trophy.

PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi emphasized that these achievements stemmed from collective effort. “It’s the result of hard work, by everyone at the club,” he stated, highlighting the contributions of both young talents and established stars. The team’s remarkable performance last season included winning the treble of Champions League, Ligue 1, and the French Cup, along with the UEFA Super Cup this year.

Bonmati’s Continued Excellence

On the women’s side, Aitana Bonmati of Spain received her third consecutive Ballon d’Or, reinforcing her status as one of the sport’s elite players. Bonmati, named the Champions League Player of the Season, expressed pride in her achievements and acknowledged the hard work of her teammates. “I’m amazed and proud because it’s a lot of hard work,” she remarked.

Despite Barcelona’s defeat to Arsenal in the Champions League final, Bonmati emphasized that success is not solely measured in victories. Her recognition reflects her consistent excellence and contribution to the sport, as well as Sarina Wiegman‘s recognition as Women’s Coach of the Year for leading the English national team to a European title.

The awards ceremony served as a testament to the dedication and talent present in both men’s and women’s football, showcasing the significant strides made by players and teams alike on the international stage.