A bitter night for Barça

The 2025 Ballon D’Or gala at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris delivered scenes of both euphoria and tension. While Ousmane Dembélé was cheered as the new winner of the award, FC Barcelona’s delegation—especially runner-up Lamine Yamal—faced a hostile reception.

In the final moments of the ceremony, chants in favor of Dembélé echoed throughout the theater, with PSG fans pushing until Ronaldinho opened the envelope with the Frenchman’s name. As the Barça contingent left the venue, they were met with boos, and even crowd surges against security barriers, though police managed to keep the situation under control.

Dembélé, idol in Paris

The atmosphere reached its peak when Dembélé walked out of the theater with the trophy under his arm. Surrounded by bodyguards and guests, the PSG star went straight to the area where the ultras had been waiting.

Amid flares, smoke, and chants, Dembélé raised the Ballon d’Or in front of his fans, unleashing wild celebrations. The chaotic and electrifying scene quickly went viral on social media. Security staff and French police had to step in to contain the crowd, though the ultras did not break through the barriers.

Between glory and controversy

Dembélé’s gesture was hailed by many as proof of his bond with the fans, but it also drew criticism for fueling an already tense evening. While Barça left under whistles, the French forward cemented his status as an idol in Paris, in a night remembered as much for the passion in the streets as for the sporting glory.

The image of Dembélé lifting the Ballon d’Or before the PSG ultras became the defining symbol of a gala where Parisian euphoria and Barça’s frustration collided in unforgettable fashion.