The number 10 of the capital club also became the 6th Frenchman in history to win the award after Raymond Kopa, Michel Platini, Jean-Pierre Papin, Zinedine Zidane and Karim Benzema.
His coronation but especially his speech when he received his trophy touched many observers. This is the case of his partner in the French team Dayot Upamecano. The Bayern Munich defender has been around the Parisian since a young age.
“When I saw him lift the Ballon d’Or, he brought tears to my eyes. We went to the same school, we knew the same fields, I played against him in CM1-CM2. Honestly, I don't have the words! We all knew he would become a great player but still. I should have been there for the ceremony, but I couldn't make it. Seeing him thank his mother, his family, his friends, everyone who was there… It was a magnificent moment,”
he said during an interview with the newspaper The Parisian.
Dembélé has set a return date
Currently injured since September 5 and the match against Ukraine in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Ousmane Dembélé is getting closer to his return to the pitch. The 2025 Ballon d'Or who continued his rehabilitation in Qatar should soon return to help his teammates.
According to information from the newspaper L'Équipe, the striker has set his sights on October 17 and the reception of Strasbourg in Ligue 1. Given the progress of his rehabilitation, he believes he will be able to join Luis Enrique's group on this occasion.
