Star French and PSG forward Ousmane Dembele recently came forward and talked about how Lionel Messi was the first person to wish him after his Ballon d’Or victory in Paris.
France and PSG forward Ousmane Dembele scripted history as he recently won the Ballon d’Or 2025. Defeating the likes of Lamine Yamal, Vitinha, Mohamed Salah, and Raphinha for the prestigious award, Dembele established himself as the current best player in world football.
With wishes pouring in for the star forward, Dembele recently came forward and revealed that legendary Argentine footballer Lionel Messi was the first to wish Dembele after his Ballon d’Or win.
“Messi congratulated me first, he sent me a message directly. Xavi and Luis Suárez also sent me their congratulations. They were all very happy for me,” Dembele told L’Equipe.
Dembele gave an emotional speech after winning the Ballon d’Or
After being crowned the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner, Ousmane Dembele burst into tears on the stage as he addressed the crowd and revealed how winning the award was never on the agenda. He also talked about his family and his friends who supported him in his time of need.
“I’ve always worked as part of a team, the Ballon d’Or was never a goal… but now that I have it, it’s something exceptional,” Dembele said. He also talked about his time at FC Barcelona and his struggles there.
“Playing for Barça was a dream. I spent seven years there, learning alongside Iniesta and Messi… All of that brought me here. I want to thank Deschamps. Let’s hope we can win the World Cup too! I want to thank my hometown Eure. Every time I get the chance I go back. The people in my neighbourhood helped me to this moment,” Dembele said. “To my mother, I want to thank you. You have always been there for me, mama. To my family, we have experienced so much together. We have been through it all. We will always be together,” he concluded.
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