Messi Breaks Silence After Dembele Clinches Ballon d’Or, Fans React

Lionel Messi, who previously shared the Barcelona dressing room with Ousmane Dembélé, was among the first to celebrate the French star’s historic win.

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

On Monday night at the Théâtre du Châtelet, Dembélé was officially crowned winner of football’s most prestigious individual honour, finishing ahead of 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal in second place, while Portugal’s Vitinha secured third.

Moments after lifting the trophy, Dembélé expressed his delight to 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, sharing snapshots from the gala.

Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, remains the award’s most iconic figure, and his heartfelt congratulations underscored the bond between the ex-Barcelona teammates.

Kylian Mbappé also celebrated the moment, reposting PSG’s official photo of Dembélé with the trophy and writing: “It’s the emotions, my brother! You deserve x1000.”