Ousmane Dembele’s Emotional Ballon d’Or Speech Translated Into English

Ousmane Dembele was clearly emotional after being named as the winner of the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

On Monday night, during a historic night at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France, several of the best football players in the world were honoured with prestigious awards.

Barcelona's Aitana Bonmatí become the first player to win the women's Ballon d'Or three times, while Lamine Yamal took home his second successive Kopa Trophy awarded the the best young player.

In the final award of the evening, Dembele was named the winner of the men's 2025 Ballon d'Or, after he enjoyed a spectacular season winning an unprecedented treble of the Champions League, Ligue 1 and Coupe de France.

And after briefly sharing a moment with runner-up Lamine Yamal, the Frenchman took to the stage to accept the award with a emotional speech.

Image: Getty

After receiving the award from fellow Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldinho, Dembele said: "I am a little stressed to be honest. I have received this award from one of the biggest legends of all time, I can't believe this.

"This is an award thanks to the collective. I want to thank all my teammates.

"I want to thank FC Barcelona, the club of my dreams. I played with Lionel Messi, I want to thank him too, I learned so much from him. To have been able to play with Lionel Messi.. I have learned so much from him.

"I want to thank Deschamps. Let's hope we can win the World Cup too!

"I want to thank my hometown Eure. Every time I get the chance I go back. The people in my neighbourhood helped me to this moment."

(Image: FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)

And as the 28-year-old turned his attention to pay tribute to his family in the audience, he couldn't hold back his tears in a touching moment.

"To my mother, I want to thank you. You have always been there for me, mama," he added.

"To my family, we have experienced so much together. We have been through it all. We will always be together."

In the final rankings, Yamal, finished second while PSG and Portugal midfielder Vitinha was third, Liverpool's Mohamed Salah was fourth and Barcelona winger Raphina rounded out the top five.