Ousmane Dembele has been crowned UEFA Champions League Player of the Season after helping Paris Saint-Germain lift the trophy for the first time in the club’s history.
The 28-year-old endured a rocky start, briefly dropped by coach Luis Enrique for disciplinary reasons, but recovered to score eight goals in the campaign following a switch to a central role.
Though he didn’t find the net in PSG’s 5–0 demolition of Inter Milan in Saturday’s final in Munich, his all-round performance earned glowing praise.
“The way he defended tonight, just that alone could be worth the Ballon d’Or,” Enrique said.
Teen sensation Desire Doue, who assisted the opener and scored twice in the final, was named UEFA Young Player of the Season.
The 19-year-old’s breakout campaign ended in style on the biggest stage.
UEFA also named its Champions League Team of the Season, with PSG dominating the list:
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)
