As he thanked his loved ones, the cameras showed a young man in tears — Moustapha Diatta, Dembélé’s childhood friend.

The two grew up together, playing in every youth category in France.

Unlike Ousmane, Moustapha never made it as a professional footballer. But he never stopped believing in his best friend.

That’s why Dembélé dedicated part of his Ballon d’Or to him:

“To Moustapha, with whom I’ve been together since we were 4 or 5 years old. He’s always been there for me, always supported me. He always told me that one day I would be the best in the world. And we’ll always be together.”

True friendship, loyalty, and dreams fulfilled. Best friends forever.