The Théâtre du Châtelet, the stage for the consecration

Paris dressed up and the Théâtre du Châtelet witnessed one of the most moving stories of the season. Ousmane Dembélé, aged 28, lifted the 2025 Ballon d'Or, crowning the best season of his career and sealing PSG's historic quadruple: Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and UEFA Cup Winners' Cup.

The moment was historic not only for French soccer, but also for Dembélé himself, who received the award from Ronaldinho. The audience burst into applause and chanted his name before the winner was revealed, as if destiny had already been written.

The tears of a champion

When he took to the stage, the Parisian striker appeared nervous, even shy, but it only took a moment for his emotions to overwhelm him. Tears came as he remembered his mother, Fatima, who raised him and his four siblings alone in the humble town of Evreux.

“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,” he said, visibly moved. He then asked his mother to come on stage, sparking a standing ovation and a moment that has already gone viral on social media.

Thanks and memories of Barcelona

Dembélé did not forget his roots or his past. In addition to thanking PSG, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, and Luis Enrique—whom he called “like a father”—the winger dedicated special words to his time at FC Barcelona.

“Playing for Barça was a dream. I spent seven years there, learning alongside Iniesta and Messi... All of that brought me here,” he confessed to the emotional crowd. His words were interpreted as a nod to the Barça fans, who saw him leave in 2023 but still remember him as a key part of their cycle.

Dembélé vs. Yamal: a battle for gold

Although the gala was marked by his triumph, the presence of Lamine Yamal, runner-up in the voting and winner of the Kopa Trophy, also caused a stir. Dembélé was gracious in his dedication, calling the young Barça player “an extraordinary talent who will win many of these trophies in the future.”

The cameras captured Yamal's serious face when the winner was announced, which many interpreted as resignation. Even so, the narrative was clear: the present belongs to Dembélé, but the future could belong to Yamal.