Messi and Mbappe Hail Dembele's Stunning 2025 Ballon d'Or Victory

The anticipation has finally come to an end. Ousmane Dembélé has claimed the 2025 Men's Ballon d'Or, officially crowned as the world's finest player.

The Paris Saint-Germain winger played a crucial role in the club's historic achievements throughout the 2024–25 campaign and earned football's most coveted individual honor.

Dembélé turned to social media shortly after claiming the Ballon d'Or to express his emotions upon receiving the coveted trophy.

"Such happiness, honor and feelings," Dembélé posted on Instagram. "A fantasy realized. Grateful to all who have consistently believed in me throughout this path."

Reactions and messages from countless supporters worldwide started flooding Dembélé's social media update. Yet, one message distinguished itself from others, a celebratory note from ex-Barcelona colleague Lionel Messi—whom Dembélé acknowledged during his victory address.

"Grande Ous [Dembélé]!" Messi commented. "Well done, I'm truly pleased for you. You've earned it."

Messi wasn't the sole prominent athlete to praise Dembélé. France squad partner Kylian Mbappé also shared an Instagram story stating, "Ousmane Dembélé. These are the feelings my friend! You've earned it x1000."

While Dembélé's festivities commenced following the 69th Ballon d'Or gala, additional personalities from the football community praised his accomplishment. Lamine Yamal, the athlete who finished second in the Ballon d'Or rankings, was among the earliest to do so.

Dembélé joined the ranks as the sixth French athlete to earn the Ballon d'Or trophy. Karim Benzema held the distinction as the latest French champion and the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner also offered congratulations to his former colleague by posting an image celebrating his success.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Désiré Doué, Bradley Barcola, Achraf Hakimi and Willian Pacho were among Dembélé's PSG colleagues who honored his victory on social platforms. Marcus Thuram and Real Madrid stars Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni also praised their French national team companion.

Congratulations and celebratory notes will undoubtedly keep flowing toward Dembélé, who joined an exclusive group as only the 10th athlete in history to capture the UEFA Champions League, FIFA World Cup and Ballon d'Or.