Ballon d'or: Ousmane Dembélé celebrates his triumph with understated class | OneFootball

Ballon d'or: Ousmane Dembélé celebrates his triumph with understated class

Crowned Ballon d'Or 2025, Ousmane Dembélé chose not to go over the top.

As reported by L'Equipe this Tuesday, Ousmane Dembélé gathered a handful of close friends at the chic Lafayette’s restaurant in Paris’s 8th arrondissement to celebrate his Ballon d'Or win. Far from the extravagant parties one might expect for such an achievement, the 2018 World Cup winner opted for a relaxed atmosphere, with a menu featuring—of all things—some nuggets to mark the occasion.

The evening had all the trappings of a high-profile event: photographers’ flashes outside the venue, curious onlookers gathered on Rue d’Anjou, and a sponsor delighted to promote the celebration. But once inside, the venue’s warm, vintage decor set the tone for a celebration free of excess.

Among the guests were some familiar faces from French football, including Mathieu Bodmer and Bernard Mendy. The menu itself summed up the spirit of the evening: refined dishes like truffle rigatoni and salmon-avocado croque mingled with simple, comforting fare. Crispy nuggets, mini burgers, and shoestring fries were a reminder that behind the Ballon d'Or winner is a player who remains true to his tastes and spontaneity.

That was just round one. On Tuesday, PSG were set to pick up the baton with a more intimate celebration planned after their trip to Marseille.