Paris Saint-Germain forward, Ousmane Dembele, gave special recognition to the likes of Ronaldinho, Andres Iniesta and Luis Enrique after winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
The France international defeated the likes of Lamine Yamal and Vitinha to win the prestigious individual prize on Monday night in Paris.
In his acceptance speech after winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or award on Monday night.
While receiving the award, Dembele hailed Ronaldinho, who presented the award to him, as a football legend.
The 28-year-old also described Erinque as a dad, adding that he learnt from Iniesta during his time at Barcelona.
“It’s exceptional what I have just experienced. I have no words. It’s been an incredible year with PSG; a lot of things have happened during my career,” Dembele said.
“That Ronaldinho, a football legend, gives it to me, it’s exceptional. I’m proud of what I have accomplished.
“I want to thank PSG, who came to get me in 2023, the president, and the whole club. Nasser is like a dad to me.
“I want to thank all the staff who have been exceptional; Luis Enrique, who is also like a dad. I also want to thank my teammates. We won almost everything. You supported me.
“We went to get almost all the trophies, and this individual trophy really rewards the collective.”
“I also want to thank all the clubs I went through, Dortmund, Rennes, my training club where I learned almost everything, Barcelona, where I dreamed of playing, and where I learned from exceptional players like Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi.”