Messi and Mbappé Congratulate Ballon d’Or Winner Dembélé

Paris Saint-Germain’s French striker Ousmane Dembélé has won the Ballon d’Or 2025 for the first time, leaving behind rising Spanish prodigy Lamine Yamal. The 28-year-old forward, recognised for his outstanding performances last season, received warm congratulations from both past and present teammates, including Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé.

At a glittering ceremony in Paris on Monday night, French magazine France Football presented the award to Dembélé, who became the sixth French footballer to win the prestigious honour. Many had tipped him as the frontrunner this year, given his decisive role in PSG’s remarkable campaign:

• Champions League victory
• Ligue 1 triumph
• French Cup win
• Match-winning goal in the French Super Cup

Dembélé’s statistics from the season underline his dominance:

Former teammate Kylian Mbappé, who joined Real Madrid last summer after leaving PSG, was among the first to congratulate him. Just minutes after the ceremony, he wrote on Instagram: “Ousmane Dembélé. A truly thrilling moment, my brother! You deserve this a thousand times over.”

Although Mbappé was also in contention for the Ballon d’Or, he finished seventh. At 26, the French captain is yet to claim the award.

On the other hand, Lionel Messi, with whom Dembélé shared four seasons at Barcelona, also expressed his joy. Writing on Instagram, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said: “Great Ous..! Congratulations, I am very happy for your achievement. You truly deserved it.”

Dembélé himself fondly recalled his Barcelona years: “I learned so much there, playing alongside legends like Messi and Iniesta. It was an incredible experience. I am delighted when I see the list of legendary players who have won this award.”

The race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or was closely contested, with 17-year-old Lamine Yamal finishing as runner-up. Yamal was instrumental in Barcelona’s La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Spanish Super Cup triumphs. Across all competitions, he registered:

Despite falling short, Yamal’s dazzling performances have positioned him as one of the brightest young stars in world football.

Dembélé’s Ballon d’Or victory crowns a career that has often been overshadowed by injuries. Having once been more famous for time on the sidelines than for his exploits on the pitch, his 2025 triumph marks a powerful statement of perseverance and talent.

With messages of respect from global icons Messi and Mbappé, and with his name now added to football’s most prestigious roll of honour, Ousmane Dembélé has truly secured his place among the game’s elite.