Ousmane Dembele shed tears when Ronaldinho handed the famous Ballon d'Or trophy to the 28-year-old former Rennes and Dortmund winger. He thanked hi
Ousmane Dembele shed tears when Ronaldinho handed the famous Ballon d’Or trophy to the 28-year-old former Rennes and Dortmund winger.
He thanked his mother, friends, family and former clubs for the opportunity he has gotten from them.
After the Ballon d’Or gala, Dembele shared on his Facebook page the trauma he had gone through before reaching this level.
“They said I was finished. They laughed when I fell, they called me fragile, injury-prone, a wasted talent. What they didn’t see were the nights I cried in silence, the pain I carried, the moments I almost gave up.
“They never saw the hours of rehab, the loneliness, the doubts that tried to break me. This Ballon d’Or isn’t just a trophy—it’s a symbol of survival.
“Every scar, every setback, every sleepless night has brought me here. This golden ball shines bright, but my journey to it was built in the dark.
“To those who believed in me when the world turned away—this is for you. And to those who doubted… thank you, you made me stronger”, Dembele concluded.
Dembele’s career has been plagued by injuries, and many think it has played a role in minimising his talent.
Blessed with dribbling, pace, power and finishing, the bona fide winger has lived up to his expectations and has promised to help France win the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be played in the USA-Canada-Mexico.
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