At 28 years outdated, Ousmane Dembélé has achieved one of many biggest honors in world soccer: profitable the Ballon d’Or for the primary time in his profession. The French winger’s sensational season with Paris Saint-Germain, the place he lifted the Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and UEFA Champions League trophies, earned him the award after years of potential and perseverance.
Following his victory, Dembélé sat down with FourFourTwo journal, the place he mirrored on his time at Barcelona and the affect of Lionel Messi, now starring with Inter Miami.
“I had an excellent relationship with Messi from day one. My locker was proper subsequent to his, and he gave me numerous recommendation. He at all times instinctively knew what you wanted,” Dembélé recalled.
The PSG ahead went on to disclose the only piece of recommendation that he says reworked his profession: “Messi instructed me to be severe if I wished to achieve my goals. After that, I began to look at him carefully and study from what he did on the pitch.”
Dembélé joins Lionel Messi as the one winners of the award in PSG’s historical past.
Messi’s affect nonetheless conjures up
Dembélé didn’t maintain again when requested about his admiration for Messi: “For me, he’s the best of all time. He conjures up me. He’s distinctive. I’m very blissful and proud to have performed with him.”
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This reward underscores how Messi’s legacy extends past his personal achievements, persevering with to form the careers of those that have had the privilege of sharing a locker room with him.
Messi congratulates Dembélé
The story got here full circle shortly after Dembélé’s win. On social media, Messi publicly congratulated his former teammate with a heartfelt message: “Grande Ous!!! Congratulations, I’m very blissful for you. You deserve it.”
The interplay shortly went viral, with followers celebrating not solely Dembélé’s private milestone but in addition the enduring bond between two world-class gamers.
