dembélé Celebrated as Ballon d’Or Winner by PSG Teammates, Enrique
PARIS – Ousmane Dembélé’s historic Ballon d’Or win was met with jubilant celebration from Paris Saint-Germain teammates and coach Luis Enrique, as revealed in behind-teh-scenes footage released by the club. The ceremony recognizing Dembélé’s achievement took place Monday evening at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.
While several PSG players sidelined by injury missed the 1-0 defeat to Olympique de Marseille, they prepared for the gala alongside Dembélé. A video published on PSG’s YouTube channel shows Dembélé, Désiré Doué, and João Neves traveling to the event in a van. Amidst watching the match unfold on a laptop, Neves inquired if Dembélé was stressed, to which the forward replied, “No, I don’t like me that. Anyway, it is indeed written.” Doué interjected with reassurance, stating, “We just have to take advantage. We have to put things into outlook. No stress!” Dembélé responded, “That’s what I like with you. You reassure me.” Doué later added, “We must not neglect that (this golden balloon). These are good times. You have to be grateful.”
Upon arrival, Dembélé warmly greeted FC Barcelona‘s Lamine Yamal, who finished second in the Ballon d’Or voting.Following the ceremony, Dembélé addressed PSG fans, saying, “I also wanted to say hello for the fans who have supported me since my beginnings in Paris Saint-Germain.”
Back at the PSG Campus, the reaction continued. Nuno Mendes playfully called Dembélé “Mosquito,” while Vitinha was captivated by the Golden Trophy. Luis Enrique, known for downplaying individual awards, was visibly ecstatic, exclaiming in French, “There is Ousmane Dembélé, wait, the Ballon d’Or.” he then asked,”Can I touch him? It’s very pretty. Happy? It’s very deserved.”
Captain marquinhos, observing Dembélé on the massage table, noted, ”He did not sleep, it shows,” a comment Dembélé did not dispute. The 28-year-old striker will continue engagements with the press and teammates in the coming days.
