On September 22, Ousmane Dembélé joined legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi by lifting his first-ever Ballon d’Or, essentially the most prestigious particular person award in world soccer. The Paris Saint-Germain ahead completed forward of Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and his PSG teammate Vitinha, who got here in third.
Dembélé’s triumph capped a outstanding yr wherein he led PSG to their first UEFA Champions League title and added a Membership World Cup trophy, cementing his standing as one of many sport’s elite. However regardless of now being idolized worldwide, Dembélé himself has revealed that he as soon as had a slightly sudden idol rising up.
As a substitute of idolizing world megastars like Ronaldo, Messi, or Neymar, the French winger revealed his admiration for Ayoze Pérez, the Spanish ahead presently taking part in for Villarreal. Whereas Pérez has lengthy been revered for his expertise, particularly throughout his Premier League days with Newcastle United and Leicester Metropolis, he has by no means been thought of among the many all-time greats.
That’s why Dembélé’s fascination with him got here as a shock to many followers. Social media posts uncovered from years in the past present the younger Dembélé repeatedly tweeting about Ayoze Pérez, even including heart-eyed emojis and feedback reminiscent of, “What a participant.”
Dembélé’s Ballon d’Or win marks the rise of a brand new era of stars.
The facility of social media
Like many tales in fashionable soccer, this revelation got here to mild because of social media archives, which frequently resurface outdated posts from gamers earlier than they have been well-known. In Dembélé’s case, it highlighted his real appreciation for a striker whose fashion and high quality clearly impressed him as a young person.
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Though Ayoze Pérez hasn’t publicly commented on the reward, it’s seemingly that he’s conscious of Dembélé’s admiration. For the French star, the respect was by no means about reputation or accolades however slightly about recognizing a participant whose technical potential and creativity he admired from afar.
A brand new chapter for Dembélé
Now on the peak of his profession, Dembélé’s Ballon d’Or victory solidifies his place among the many fashionable greats. His recognition alongside names like Ronaldo and Messi not solely validates his extraordinary season with PSG but additionally displays the rise of a brand new era of winners.
For followers, it’s a reminder that even the most important stars as soon as regarded as much as others, typically in sudden locations. Dembélé’s story highlights how idols may be discovered past the same old legends, and that admiration typically fuels ambition. From a young person praising Ayoze Pérez on Twitter to standing on soccer’s grandest stage, Dembélé’s journey is one among expertise, perseverance, and inspiration.
