Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé has shared that Lionel Messi was the first person to congratulate him after winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
The French winger claimed the prestigious award ahead of Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, following an outstanding season with PSG.
In an interview with L’Équipe, Dembélé revealed that Messi, along with other former Barcelona teammates, reached out to celebrate his achievement.
“Messi congratulated me first, he sent me a message directly,” Dembélé said via @ReshadFCB (as reported by Sportskeeda).
“Xavi and Luis Suárez also sent me their congratulations. They were all very happy for me.”
Dembélé and Messi played together at Barcelona before the Argentine’s departure to PSG and later Inter Miami.
The 28-year-old enjoyed a remarkable 2024–25 season, helping PSG to a treble with 33 goals and 13 assists across 49 appearances in all competitions.