Lionel Messi Reacts To Ousmane Dembele’s Ballon d’Or Win

Argentina and Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi has expressed his delight after Ousmane Dembele was crowned winner of the 2025 Ballon d’Or, edging out Barcelona’s rising star Lamine Yamal.

Lionel Messi, who once shared the dressing room with Dembele at Barcelona, was quick to celebrate the Frenchman’s achievement.

“Great Ous!!! Congratulations, I’m very happy for you. You deserve it,” Messi commented on Dembele’s Instagram post after the ceremony in Paris.

Dembele was officially announced as the winner of football’s most prestigious individual prize on Monday night at the Théâtre du Châtelet. He topped the rankings ahead of 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, who finished second, while Portuguese midfielder Vitinha claimed third place.

Shortly after lifting the award, Dembele shared his emotions with fans online.

“Lots of joy, pride and emotion. A dream come true. Thank you to all those who have always supported me throughout this journey. #ballondor,” he wrote, accompanying the post with pictures from the gala.

Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner himself, remains one of the award’s most decorated icons. His public congratulations highlighted the bond between former Barcelona teammates.

Also, Kylian Mbappé has congratulated Dembélé for the win.

Reposting PSG’s official photo of his former teammate with the trophy, Mbappé wrote: “It’s the emotions, my brother! You deserve x1000.”