Overview

• Dembélé accepted the award at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris and broke into tears while speaking about his family, saying he had hoped to stay strong.
• He thanked former clubs Rennes, Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona, as well as PSG coach Luis Enrique, France coach Didier Deschamps and his family.
• He edged Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal for the honor and praised the runner-up as an exceptional young player poised for future success.
• PSG’s campaign included the Champions League, league title, domestic cup and Supercup, strengthening the case for his individual recognition.
• After the ceremony he celebrated outside with supporters who lit flares, and he noted pride in joining France’s roster of Ballon d’Or winners.