Ousmane Dembélé’s Ballon d’Or victory on Monday was deeply emotional, not just for him, but for his family and heritage Softfootball reports. The award crowned a season in which he played a starring role for Paris Saint-Germain scoring 35 goals across all competitions, helping PSG to domestic trophies and also the UEFA Champions League. For a player often seen as a support act whether for France or at his former club Barcelona it felt like arrival.
In his acceptance speech, Dembélé made clear whom he was thinking of during the hard times, he also spoke about how his mother and other members of his family stood with him during those hard times. His mother, Fatima, whose roots trace back to Mali and Mauritania-Senegal, filmed a message soon after. She said the family wants the Ballon d’Or to travel, making it more than a personal win, but one of representation, she also spoke emotionally about her and demebele’s footballing Journey.
She said
We’re going to bring it everywhere, We’re going to bring it everywhere — Waly [Diantang, Mauritania], Senegal. This is the Ballon d’Or of all of Africa.
I’m not the type to put myself in the spotlight. I like to stay discreet. When I go to watch my son play at the stadium, I can be in the middle of the fans, and no one guesses that I’m Ousmane’s mom.
I’ve never let all this go to my head. I worked hard to pay for his schools, his football, I always gave everything without thinking of myself at 200%, and today, Ousmane does the same for his mum. He takes care of me as I took care of my parents. My life has changed, but I don’t live in extreme abundance. We remain simple people.
While Dembélé isn’t the first player with African heritage to win the Ballon d’Or, former winners include George Weah, as well as France’s Karim Benzema and Zinedine Zidane what makes this milestone special is Dembélé’s long road back. An abundance of talent throughout his career, yes; but also injuries, expectations, criticism. Tonight they all met reward and the reaction of fans towards the news of him winning the award over Lamine Yamal says it all.
PSG posted a video of Manager Luis Enrique Celebrating with Dembele and also holding and kissing the Ballon D’or on the teams official X account.
Watch the video below:
As he lifted the trophy, his bond with his mother was unmistakable. Kate Scott, one of the ceremony hosts, invited Fatima onto the stage, and afterward, Dembélé shared:
“I pay tribute to my mother and to all mothers. It’s hard to be a mum, so it’s right I do this.”
This win isn’t just about a stellar season. For Dembélé, it’s about perseverance, about family, about identity and about making every moment count.
