Just after winning the Ballon d'Or, Dembele helped France match Argentina

France has matched Argentina in total Ballon d'Or wins after Ousmane Dembélé's achievement

As expected, Ousmane Dembele claimed the 2025 France Football Men's Ballon d'Or at the Châtelet Theatre in Paris. The French national team and PSG forward surpassed Barcelona's Lamine Yamal to win football's most prestigious individual honor. Dembele is the first Ligue 1 player to win the Ballon d'Or since Lionel Messi of PSG in 2023.

Dembele's victory, a well-deserved recognition for his key role in leading PSG to their first Champions League title in May, also means France has now equaled Argentina in the total number of Ballon d'Or titles. Both France and Argentina have secured eight Ballon d'Or awards each.

Lionel Messi brought Argentina all 8 Ballon d'Or awards, while France boasts 6 different winners, including Raymond Kopa, Michel Platini, Jean-Pierre Papin, Zinédine Zidane, Karim Benzema, and now Ousmane Dembélé. No nation has more players who have won the Ballon d'Or than France.

At the award moment, Dembele broke down in tears on stage as he mentioned his family, especially his mother, Fatiamata. After his emotional speech, she was invited on stage to share the joy with her son.“I want to thank my mom, she has always been by my side,”Dembele said tearfully, choked with emotion.

In the past season, the French striker had an outstanding performance with 35 goals and 16 assists, playing a major role in PSG's domestic treble of Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophee des Champions, as well as the Champions League title. He also shone in the UEFA Super Cup as PSG defeated Tottenham.

Thanks to his excellent form, Dembele also received numerous individual awards such as Ligue 1 Player of the Year, Ligue 1 top scorer with 21 goals in 29 matches, and Champions League Player of the Season with 8 goals and 6 assists.