Argentina and Inter Miami captain, Lionel Messi, has celebrated Ousmane Dembele after the French forward was crowned winner of the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

Naija News reports that Dembele beat Barcelona’s teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal, and Portugal’s Vitinha to claim football’s most prestigious individual prize on Monday night at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.

Messi, who once shared the dressing room with Dembele at Barcelona, was quick to congratulate his former teammate on Instagram.

He wrote:

“Great Ous!!! Congratulations, I’m very happy for you. You deserve it.”

Dembele, overwhelmed with emotions, also shared his excitement online shortly after receiving the award.

“Lots of joy, pride and emotion. A dream come true. Thank you to all those who have always supported me throughout this journey. #ballondor,” he posted alongside photos from the gala.

Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain forward, Kylian Mbappé, also celebrated Dembele’s triumph. Reposting PSG’s official photo of the winger holding the golden ball, Mbappé wrote:

“It’s the emotions, my brother! You deserve x1000.”

Messi remains the most decorated player in Ballon d’Or history with eight wins, but his warm tribute to Dembele highlighted the strong bond between the ex-Barcelona teammates.