Dembélé, the new king of football

The 2025 Ballon d’Or went to Ousmane Dembélé, the Paris Saint-Germain star who delivered a historic season under Luis Enrique. The Frenchman was a decisive figure in PSG’s triumphs in the Champions League, Ligue 1, and other titles that propelled him to football’s most prestigious individual award.

The forward’s joy was reflected on his social media, where he described the prize as a “dream come true” and thanked everyone who has supported him along the way. It was the culmination of an unforgettable year for a player who went from inconsistency in his early days to becoming PSG’s undisputed leader.

A history shared with Messi

Before shining in Paris, Dembélé shared a locker room with Lionel Messi at FC Barcelona between 2017 and 2021. Their relationship left lasting memories and was rekindled this past summer at the Club World Cup, when PSG thrashed Inter Miami. After the match, the two exchanged shirts, showing the mutual respect that still unites them.

It was on social media, however, where one of the most talked-about gestures of the gala appeared: Messi commented on Dembélé’s post, leaving a short but powerful message that generated thousands of reactions: “Grande Ous! Congratulations, I’m very happy for you. You deserve it.”

The advice that changed everything

Their bond also shows in a revelation Dembélé made months ago. The Frenchman explained that Messi inspired him from the very first day they met at Barça:
"He told me to be serious if I wanted to achieve my dreams. After that, I started watching him closely and learning from everything he did on the pitch."

For the new Ballon d’Or winner, that advice was decisive in his evolution as a footballer and in the journey that led him to this triumph. At 28 years old, he still applies the lessons he once received from the player he considers “the greatest of all time.”

Gratitude and the future

After receiving the award, Dembélé not only remembered Messi but also had special words for Luis Enrique, whom he described as “a father” for the trust and freedom he has given him at PSG. With this Ballon d’Or, the Frenchman has carved his name into history, as the football world celebrates a player who finally reached the very top.