No one had really seen him coming in 2023, when he joined Paris Saint-Germain. Two years later, Ousmane Dembélé was on the roof of the world, even before a certain Kylian Mbappé. Author of an exceptional second part of the season with the capital's club (35 goals, 16 assists), the native of Vernon was logically at the duel with Lamine Yamal to succeed Rodri at the Ballon d'Or list. It was a little before 11 p.m. when Ronaldinho put an end to the suspense by announcing the name of the Parisian.
Invited to join the scene to express themselves, the sixth Frenchman to win this prestigious award did not hide his emotion. “It's exceptional what I have just experienced. I really have no words, it was an incredible year with PSG. I had a lot of things that happened during my career. I have a little stress, you see, it's not easy. Winning this trophy, may Ronaldinho give it to me is exceptional. I am proud of everything I have accomplished during my career ”he said, before continuing with a series of thanks.
“”The Ballon d'Or was not a goal in my career»»
“I wanted to thank PSG who came to get me in 2023, its president, the whole team, the whole club is really an incredible family. President Nasser was exceptional with me, it's like a dad. I also wanted to thank all of the PSG staff, coach Luis Enrique, too, it's like a dad. He was a very important person in the career. I wanted to thank you my teammates. We have almost won everything, you supported me in good and bad times. This individual trophy is the collective that won it ”he said, before continuing.
“I wanted all the clubs in which I passed, whether Borussia Dortmund, Stade Rennais. The club where I dreamed of playing, FC Barcelona was exceptional. I learned alongside players like Iniesta. I'm happy. Even if the Ballon d'Or was not a goal in my career, it is exceptional to win a trophy like that. I'm happy tonight. I also wanted to thank all of my selection partners, who were important for me. His coach who trusts me in good and bad times. We hope, for the coach, to win a World Cup for him. »» A beautiful moment.
