A triumph that hit close to home

The image of Ousmane Dembélé lifting the 2025 Ballon d’Or was one of the year’s most unforgettable moments.
For most, it symbolized the triumphant comeback of a player many had written off. But for Dayot Upamecano — national teammate and childhood friend — it was something far deeper.

In an interview with Le Parisien, the Bayern Munich defender confessed what he felt watching his friend receive the trophy that crowned him the best player of the season.

“I have no words. We all knew he would become a great player, but still... when I saw him lift the Ballon d’Or, I burst into tears.”

From promise to rebirth

Dembélé’s 35 goals and 16 assists last season propelled Paris Saint-Germain to a historic treble — including the club’s first-ever Champions League title.

A campaign that completely changed the narrative of his career and saw him beat Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and PSG teammate Vitinha in the final voting.

Upamecano recalled that he couldn’t attend the ceremony but followed every second from afar:

“I should have been there, but I couldn’t. Watching him thank his mother, his family, his friends, Moustapha… it was a beautiful moment.”

A shared journey

Both grew up together in France, chasing dreams that once seemed unreachable. Today, Dembélé is a European champion and Ballon d’Or winner, while Upamecano shines in the Bundesliga — proud to see his childhood friend conquer the world.

Beyond club rivalries or national colors, their story shows that success, too, can be shared.
Sometimes, tears are simply the truest reflection of friendship and admiration.