“Dembele wins Ligue 1 Player of the Year award in controversy.”

Ousmane Dembélé reignites the Ligue 1 by being named Player of the Year, but the decision sparks controversy: how is it possible for the Paris Saint-Germain forward to win this prestigious award when he has only started nine matches this season? The truth is that, despite physical limitations and limited time on the field, Dembélé made his mark and led PSG to yet another French title and a Champions League final.

At just 28 years old, Ousmane Dembélé has become the fifth player in Ligue 1 history to win the Player of the Year award in two consecutive seasons, joining legends like Zlatan Ibrahimović, who was the last to achieve this feat in 2014. The Frenchman succeeds Kylian Mbappé, who dominated the competition for five consecutive years before moving to Real Madrid.

In statements filled with humility, Dembélé acknowledged the collective value behind his individual recognition: “It’s an individual trophy, but all the awards I’ve won are thanks to this team.” A clear testament that PSG’s success comes from the strength of the group, even though the French international has faced a season marked by persistent injuries.

The numbers are impressive, even with his limited time on the pitch. Dembélé has accumulated only 960 minutes in Ligue 1, a drastic drop from the 1,736 minutes and 20 games started the previous season. Still, he scored 10 goals and provided 6 assists, figures that are not to be underestimated, highlighting his effectiveness when called upon, although below the 21 goals and 8 assists he recorded last season.

In the collective picture, Paris Saint-Germain is practically guaranteed the French title. The hard-fought 1-0 victory over Brest on Sunday put Luís Enrique’s team six points ahead of second-placed Lens, with a more favorable goal difference. With only two matchdays remaining until the end of the championship, PSG could secure their fifth consecutive title and 12th in 14 years if they avoid defeat in their trip to Lens on Wednesday.

This season grants Dembélé a special status, amid criticism and applause, solidifying him as a key player in the Parisian squad. His ability to decide games in a matter of minutes and his direct impact on results reinforce why he has once again been crowned the king of Ligue 1, even though his journey has been marked by physical setbacks that have limited his time on the pitch.

Ousmane Dembélé, with only nine starts, is once again the protagonist of this Ligue 1 season, an unusual campaign that challenges the usual standards for player of the year selection. PSG is preparing to celebrate yet another title, and the French forward continues to write his story in French football with goals, assists, and a decisive influence in crucial moments of the competition. The controversy is stirred, but the numbers and results speak for themselves.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.