As Ronaldinho announced Dembele's name at the Theatre du Chatelet, Dembele embraced Gianluigi Donnarumma, Lamine Yamal, Desire Doue, and Joao Neves before ascending the stage to accept the Ballon d'Or, amidst resounding chants of "Ousmane, Ballon d'Or!" and the rumble of the metro beneath the auditorium.

The most poignant moment of the 69th Ballon d'Or ceremony was undoubtedly the French forward's emotional acceptance speech. He highlighted the crucial role of his family and close friends throughout his career. Dembele's voice choked with emotion as he spoke of his mother, who was present in the audience and was later graciously invited on stage by host Kate Scott.

Ousmane Dembele kisses the Ballon d'Or at the awards ceremony at the Chatelet Theater, Paris, France on the evening of 22/9/2025. Photo: Reuters

Ousmane Dembele kisses the Ballon d'Or at the awards ceremony at the Chatelet Theater, Paris, France on the evening of 22/9/2025. Photo: Reuters

Tears streamed down Dembele's face as he recalled challenging career moments, injuries, periods of self-doubt, and the unwavering support from his agent, Moussa Sissoko, and his closest friend. The chants of "Ousmane, Ballon d'Or" echoed through the auditorium once more, concluding his moving speech.

Here is the full text of Dembele's speech:

"Thank you, thank you everyone. Good evening everyone! It's truly amazing and extraordinary after everything I've experienced. I honestly don't know how to express myself. This past year with PSG has been beyond imagination. My career has seen many ups and downs… I apologize, I'm a bit nervous. As you can see, things haven't always been easy for me. Winning this award, especially from a football legend like Ronaldinho, is incredibly special. I'm proud of everything I've achieved in my career.

First, I want to thank PSG, the team that brought me here in 2023. I want to thank the president, the entire team, and the whole club. This is truly a wonderful family. PSG has been an exceptional group from day one. President Nasser al-Khelaifi, with whom I'm always in contact, has treated me with love. He's like a father to me.

I also want to thank the entire PSG staff; you've been outstanding since the beginning. The same goes for coach Luis Enrique, he's like another father to me, a vital figure in my career, even though my journey continues.

And above all, I want to thank my teammates. This is all thanks to you. The past year has been incredible, especially the 2024-2025 season, where we almost won every title. You've always supported and encouraged me through both good times and bad. Together, we've elevated our game to achieve collective victories. For me, this individual award is truly a victory for the entire team.

I also want to thank all the clubs I've played for, from Borussia Dortmund, Rennes – which trained me, taught me almost everything, and brought me to my football dream, before I went to Barca – my dream club, where I learned and played alongside great players like Andres Iniesta, who is here today, and Lionel Messi, an unforgettable and unbelievable experience. I'll always cherish all those lessons.

While the Ballon d'Or wasn't really a career goal, winning such a prestigious award is remarkable. Looking at the list of past winners, they are all legends, exceptional players. I've given my all for PSG since my first season to win the Champions League, Ligue 1, and the Coupe de France, and we finally achieved it last season. Being honored with an individual award like the Ballon d'Or is truly wonderful. Tonight, I'm incredibly happy.

I also want to thank all my teammates on the French national team, who have always been important to me. The entire generation I grew up with, from the youth teams to the national team, along with head coach Didier Deschamps, who has always believed in me for the past 8-9 years, through both good times and difficult periods. He's always called me up to the national team and placed his trust in me. I also thank the federation president. Hopefully, in Deschamps' last year coaching the national team, we can win the World Cup for him. Thank you, all members of the French team.

I also want to thank my hometown, Evreux, where I grew up, where I played football, where I first touched a ball. Whenever I have free time, I always try to go back. The people of Evreux have always welcomed me with open arms, from beginning to end. They've always followed and supported me from the early days until now. I'm very happy to have grown up there. Thank you all for always being there for me.

Finally, I want to thank my family, especially my mother and those who have always been by my side, supporting me through difficult times. Thank you to my agent, Moussa Sissoko, who always believed in me. You once said that one day I would win the Ballon d'Or. You've always helped and encouraged me. Thank you to my best friend. For the past 4-5 years, we've been through everything together, we do everything together, we go everywhere together. And in the end, we'll always be together, my friend.

Once again, thank you everyone and have a good evening!".

After the award ceremony, Dembele gave a separate interview to the media. When asked how he prepared for the day of the ceremony, he said, "My day? Just like any other day. This morning I trained. I'm recovering from an injury. I received medical treatment and also got back on the pitch a bit because I'm starting to regain my touch. It was a completely normal day until 8 p.m., when I arrived here (laughs). I went home to get ready, then met up with my teammates at Parc des Princes, with Desire Doue and Joao Neves, we came here together. So… What's next? I don't know who will arrange it, but it definitely won't be me (laughs). I also don't know what the plan is for the rest of the evening. What do I want? Anything is fine. Let's wait and see!"

Compiled by Hoang Thong