Sunderland send Ousmane Dembele message as Kyril Louis-Dreyfus pictured with Ballon d’Or winner
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus can only be described as a genius for what he has achieved as Sunderland chairman.
The 28-year-old took over the North East club in the pits of League One and has transformed them into an efficient Premier League outfit.
Louis-Dreyfus has notable links within the football community, with Ousmane Dembele sending Sunderland a message ahead of their Championship play-off final with Sheffield United.
Now the Black Cats’ chairman has caused a frenzy after being pictured with the Ballon d’Or winner.
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and Ousmane Dembele side by side at Ballon d’Or ceremony
In 2023, Dembele watched on at the Stadium of Light as Sunderland took on Sheffield United in the Championship.
The France international was in attendance due to his relationship with Louis-Dreyfus, with the pair understood to be good friends.
Indeed, that friendship is continuing to flourish if the latest image doing the rounds is anything to go by.
That is because Sunderland have posted a photograph of Louis-Dreyfus and Dembele standing side by side, with the latter clutching his Ballon d’Or award.
Their Instagram post on 23 September read: “Congratulations on winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or, Ousmane Dembele!
“We hope you’ve enjoyed watching the Lads this season, and will see you back at the Stadium of Light soon!”
- The 28-year-old made 49 appearances for PSG in 2024/25
- Dembele scored 33 goals
- He bagged 25 assists
The PSG forward won the accolade at last night’s ceremony, beating Lamine Yamal and teammate Vitinha to the award.
- Read more: Sunderland fans will be delighted at Premier League announcement for Nottingham Forest clash
Why are the Sunderland chairman and Ousmane Dembele friends?
While neither has publicly explained how or why the two have become close, Louis-Dreyfus’ background in French football offers some explanation.
Indeed, his father, Robert, was the majority owner of Olympique de Marseille from 1996 until he died in 2009.
The Black Cats chairman was surrounded by footballers from an early age, hence why he is so involved in the game today.
Louis-Dreyfus and Dembele have also been pictured on holiday together, while the forward has spoken about watching the Wearsiders on television.
Moreover, the Ballon d’Or winner has even stated that he has played Football Manager as Sunderland, a team he is clearly invested in.
While he may be thriving with PSG now, perhaps the megastar would fancy a move to the North East in the latter stages of his career.
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