The newly crowned Ballon d’Or winner, Ousmane Dembélé, received words of recognition from his compatriot Kylian Mbappé shortly after the 2025 award was announced. In a show of camaraderie between French football stars, Mbappé publicly expressed admiration and respect for the Paris Saint-Germain forward.

Mbappé’s Reaction

Upon hearing the news that Dembélé had claimed the prestigious award as the world’s best player, Mbappé quickly congratulated him through social media. “C'est les émotions mon frère. Tu mérites x1000” (“It’s pure emotion, brother. You deserve it a thousand times”), wrote the Real Madrid striker, underlining how deserved the honor was for his former national team teammate.
The message generated wide reaction among fans and media alike, not only for the sincerity of the gesture but also because it highlighted the healthy competition between two stars, giving Dembélé’s award an extra symbolic value.

What the Message Means

That Mbappé, also one of the favorites to win the trophy, expressed his support in this way further reinforces the weight of Dembélé’s season. The French winger managed to outvote rising star Lamine Yamal in a ceremony that valued both individual contributions and leadership within PSG.
Mbappé’s recognition also emphasized the unity within the French national team: while each player competes for personal accolades, mutual respect stands out when achievements are earned.

Looking Ahead

With this Ballon d’Or, Dembélé enters a new stage in his career, where expectations will rise. Fans will watch closely to see not only if he can maintain this level but also whether he can continue influencing decisive matches. For Mbappé, his message highlights his role as a leader off the pitch, someone willing to celebrate the success of others.