Lionel Messi has publicly congratulated Ousmane Dembélé following the French forward’s triumph in the 2025 Ballon d’Or. Messi left a heartfelt message on Dembélé’s Instagram post saying, “Grande Ous!!! Congratulations, I’m very happy for you. You deserve it.” The gesture caught attention largely because the two played together at FC Barcelona, and fans felt the respect between them showed how much Dembélé’s achievement means in the world of football.
Messi and Dembélé: Shared History
Messi and Dembélé first shared the field as teammates at Barcelona from 2017 to 2021. During that time, Dembélé looked up to Messi and learned from his play style, movement, and professionalism. After leaving Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain, Dembélé’s career encountered ups and downs, including injuries and inconsistent form. However, the 2024 to 2025 season proved pivotal. Because of his performances in scoring, assisting, and helping PSG win major trophies, the Ballon d’Or win felt like a culmination of effort, persistence, and growth. Messi’s recognition thus serves not only as personal praise but also as validation of Dembélé’s long journey.
What Messi’s Message Means
Messi’s congratulations resonate for several reasons. First, when a player of Messi’s status offers praise, it amplifies the impact of the winner’s achievement. Secondly, because Dembélé thanked his former clubs and past teammates, including Messi, during his acceptance speech, the mutual acknowledgment underscores the importance of mentorship, teamwork, and respect in sport. Also, many see Messi’s message as closing a chapter, one where comparisons and expectation weighed heavily on Dembélé. Now, public opinion seems to tilt towards recognizing individual brilliance and letting peer appreciation shine through.
Reactions from Fans and Media
Fans reacted swiftly once Messi’s message surfaced. Social media lit up with clips, quotes, and celebrations. Many thanked Messi for being gracious, while others praised Dembélé for finally getting the recognition. Analysts noted that phrases like “deserved” and “finally” appeared often in fan comments. Meanwhile, media outlets highlighted this moment as emblematic of football’s changing norms, from rivalry and ego to mutual respect and recognition. Especially because Messi himself set so many standards, his endorsement of Dembélé carries extra weight.
What This Means for Dembélé’s Legacy
Dembélé’s Ballon d’Or win already boosted his reputation, but Messi’s praise adds another layer. Many believe this marks a turning point, one where critics will have fewer grounds to dismiss his career due to early setbacks. Also, younger players watching this will likely see that persistence and evolution matter as much as raw talent. Moving forward, Dembélé must maintain consistency and manage expectations, but the foundation now includes both trophies and the admiration of legends.
Conclusion
Messi’s warm message to Dembélé after the 2025 Ballon d’Or shines as one of the more genuine moments in football. It reflects admiration, respect, and recognition across past struggles and triumphs. For Dembélé, the award is not just a milestone; it is a narrative transformed. For fans, it reminds us that greatness includes more than numbers; it includes respect from peers. As football continues to tell stories, moments like this matter just as much as goals or trophies.
Bonus Read: Ousmane Dembélé Claims 2025 Ballon d’Or After Stellar Season with PSG
