Dembélé celebrates his Ballon d’Or modestly, Mbappé retorts

One year after inscribing his name in the pantheon of world football, Ousmane Dembélé chose the simplicity of an Instagram story to mark the anniversary, while Kylian Mbappé, a few days earlier, displayed provocative confidence by proclaiming that he was the chosen one of the Ballon d’Or.

An anniversary crowned with Ballon d’Or

On September 22, 2025, the French striker lifted the precious Ballon d’Or, the reward for his exceptional season delivered with PSG. This campaign was marked by the Champions League triumph and golden statistics. The trophy thus symbolizes the summit reached after a year of praise.

The Instagram story and the rap

To mark this first anniversary, the Parisian player posted an Instagram story showing the trophy in his hands, surrounded by his family in Evreux. The photo was accompanied by a vibrant, mantra‑like message, whose full text was quoted. In the background, Dembélé overlaid the track “Au 33e” by rapper Ninho, whose lyrics resonate sharply.

Kylian Mbappé accuses the media of feeding the Ballon d’Or myth

The chosen lyrics include: “I came with bags that I have to fill… I think the hatred deep in my heart is felt in the gaze… At the thirty‑third, I get out of the elevator, angels around me. I enlarge the Empire, despite a ton of traitors who curse us.” Speculations immediately emerged, some seeing it as a veiled jab at his former teammate Kylian Mbappé.

Mbappé responded a few days after claiming to deserve the Ballon d’Or, stating: “He (Ousmane Dembélé) has always been seen as a talented player. I have always been seen as the chosen one.” This statement fueled the debate over the hierarchy of contenders for the trophy.

Dembélé retorted: “I have never been the chosen one but I have worked and last year, I was rewarded for a fantastic year with PSG.” The contrast between Dembélé’s digital discretion and Mbappé’s verbal vehemence reveals a rivalry that plays out as much on social media as in public statements.