Ballon d’Or Ousmane Dembele cites Barcelona in acceptance speech

Barcelona had four players nominated for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, but it was a former player that took home the award in Ousmane Dembele. After Paris Saint-Germain activated his €50m release clause in 2023, it was the man he pipped to the award, Lamine Yamal, who ended up winning his spot on the right of the Barcelona attack.

Dembele was part of an historic season for PSG, who won all of their domestic trophies, and then added a first ever Champions League last season, the object of billions of euros of investment. Luis Enrique, another former Barcelona man at the heart of their achievements, won the Johan Cruyff Award for the best manager of the year.

‘Luis Enrique is like a father to me’ – Dembele

The French forward was genuinely moved by the award, which brought tears to his eyes. He had the following to say upon accepting the award at the France Football gala.

“It’s incredible and exceptional what just happened to me. It’s been an incredible season with PSG. I’m a little nervous. Taking this trophy home and having it presented to me by Ronaldinho…”

Mother and son ❤️#UCL || #ballondor pic.twitter.com/D13Ez3CWQp

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) September 22, 2025

“I want to thank PSG who came to get me in 2023, the whole team, the club which is a family, the president and all the staff who have been amazing, and Luis Enrique who is like a father to me. This team has been wonderful in the 2024/25 season. You’ve been by my side through the ups and downs.”

Meanwhile in the press conference after the award, Dembele was asked about his relationship with Luis Enrique, who very publicly left him out of a key Champions League clash for PSG.

“I’ve never had any problems or disputes with Luis Enrique. We’ve had a good relationship. I made a mistake before that game against Arsenal last year, but nothing happened afterward. It was one of the best seasons of my career, especially statistically. Above all, I can explode more in important games. I’m very happy.”

Lamine Yamal: “Thanks to Barça, the national team, and my teammates. Without them this wouldn’t be possible.” pic.twitter.com/9rE2CR2xky

— barcacentre (@barcacentre) September 22, 2025

‘I fulfilled my dreams with Barcelona’ – Dembele

During his acceptance speech, Dembele also cited his former club Barcelona, and the experience that his five years in Catalonia gave him.

“We all take home this individual award as a team. I also want to thank Borussia Dortmund and Rennes. I fulfilled my dreams with Barcelona and was able to play alongside Messi and Iniesta. It’s quite a learning experience. To be able to take home this individual trophy is something…”

Kylian Mbappe congratulates Dembele

Meanwhile Real Madrid star and international teammate Kylian Mbappe congratulated Dembele on the award, posting ‘Ousmane Dembele. These are the emotions my brother. You deserve it x1000’ on his Instagram story. Mbappe had said prior to the award that Dembele was his pick for the Ballon d’Or.