Did Dembele Deserve the UCL Player of the Season Award After PSG's Historic Win?

Synopsis
Ousmane Dembele has been named the UEFA Champions League Player of the Season after leading PSG to their first title. His journey from childhood dreams to this historic victory highlights the essence of football.
Key Takeaways
- Dembele scored a total of eight goals in the tournament.
- PSG's victory is their first Champions League title.
- Desire Doue was recognized as the Young Player of the Season.
- Seven PSG players made it to the team of the season.
- Dembele's journey reflects hard work and dedication.
New Delhi, June 1 (NationPress) Ousmane Dembele of Paris Saint-Germain has been honored as the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League Player of the Season by UEFA's Technical Observer group, recognizing his significant role in leading his team to their first-ever European championship.
The 28-year-old forward showcased an exceptional performance throughout the tournament, finishing as the top scorer for Luis Enrique's squad with a total of eight goals. His pivotal contributions included a vital goal that ignited a comeback against Manchester City on Matchday 7, a stunning hat-trick against Stuttgart on Matchday 8, and winning goals away at both Liverpool and Arsenal during the knockout stage.
"Since I was a child, I have always dreamed of competing in the Champions League, this remarkable tournament. Reaching the final was amazing, but winning it is even more extraordinary. It's a feeling beyond belief. I take pride in the path we've traveled and all I have accomplished to earn this success. It's magnificent," Dembele expressed.
In addition, his teammate Desire Doue was recognized as the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League Young Player of the Season.
The 19-year-old made notable impacts during the league phase, scoring against Salzburg, and in the knockout matches against Brest and Aston Villa, but it was his groundbreaking performance in the final that truly stood out.
"I can't believe what just transpired: we made history for our club in French and European football. This season was phenomenal. We are a remarkable team, and we demonstrated that. I still need to grasp the reality that we won the Champions League and reshaped the history of this club. It's just magnificent," said Doue.
The Technical Observers Group also announced the team of the season, featuring seven players from Paris Saint-Germain, along with Barcelona's wing duo Raphinha and Lamine Yamal. Finalists Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni and Arsenal’s Declan Rice were also included.
Goalkeeper
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain)
Defenders
Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Alessandro Bastoni (Inter), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain)
Midfielders
Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain), Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Forwards
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Désiré Doué (Paris Saint-Germain), Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain), Raphinha (Barcelona)