Paris flyer Dembélé snatches 2025 Ballon d'Or, Mbappé cheers

Paris Saint-Germain winger Ousmane Dembélé claimed the 2025 Ballon d'Or award as the world's best player after his outstanding performance with the French club. Fellow countryman Kylian Mbappé offered the first congratulations to the newly crowned champion. Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni shared an Instagram photograph of Dembélé with his trophy, adding the caption "God is Greatest" while tagging his national teammate. The pair represented France together during their journey to second place at the 2022 World Cup, despite never sharing club duties. Dembélé becomes the sixth French recipient of football's most prestigious individual honor, contributing to France's total of eight Ballon d'Or victories, with Michel Platini holding the record for most wins by a French player at three awards.