French star Ousmane Dembélé expressed his happiness after winning the Ballon d'Or for the best player in the world for 2025 presented by France Football, surpassing Barcelona's Lamine Yamal.

Dembélé said after receiving the award: "It's unbelievable and extraordinary what just happened to me (winning the Ballon d'Or). It was an amazing season with Paris Saint-Germain. I feel a bit nervous. To hold this award and have it presented to me by Ronaldinho... it's wonderful."

He added: "I would like to thank Paris Saint-Germain who came for me in 2023, the whole team, and the club that represents a real family, the president, and all the staff who treated me in the best way, as well as Luis Enrique who is like a father to me."

He continued: "This team was amazing in the 2024/25 season, you were by my side in good times and tough times. This individual award is for all of us as a team."

He further stated: "I would also like to thank Borussia Dortmund and Rennes. I achieved my dreams with Barcelona, and I was able to play alongside Messi and Iniesta. It was truly an amazing learning experience, winning this individual award is unbelievable."

He went on: "I thank the entire new generation of the French national team, the under-21 team, and the coach who still calls me up. I hope we can win the World Cup. I would also like to thank my hometown of Fernan, where I grew up, and I love returning there whenever I get the chance. It's wonderful to have grown up in this town."

He concluded: "I thank my family, especially my mother. They have always been by my side in the toughest moments. I also thank my agent who believed in me. If someone had told me one day that I would win the Ballon d'Or, I wouldn't have believed it. I also thank my friend Mustafa Diatta; we experienced everything together, he was always by my side wherever I went, and we will remain together until the end."