After winning the Ballon d’Or, Kate Martin’s message to Ousmane Dembélé goes viral online, with fans saying, “This is why we love her!” Football fans weren’t the only ones celebrating when Ousmane Dembélé was named the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner last night. Fans referred to WNBA player Kate Martin as “the coolest athlete on the planet” after she jumped in with a message that sent social media into overdrive.
Martin congratulated Dembélé in the most surprising way on Instagram Stories and X (formerly Twitter) shortly after the ceremony concluded. “Speed, skill, and pure joy are all qualities that this man deserves to win that trophy.” Motivating athletes everywhere, myself included! “Congratulations, @Dembouz,” she wrote, including a picture of herself clutching a tiny soccer ball. Her post went viral in a matter of minutes.
Fans praised it profusely in the comments after taking a screenshot and sharing it. “Kate Martin continues to win,” one fan wrote. She displays love like this even though she doesn’t play the same sport! “This crossover is EVERYTHING — basketball x football respect,” another person stated.
Dembélé even took notice, reposting Martin’s story with a handshake emoji and the simple words “Merci Kate!” As if they had just witnessed the year’s greatest crossover event, WNBA fans and football ultras united in their responses to that small gesture. The speed at which this moment has become a cultural flashpoint is fascinating.
Kate Martin: Huge congrats to Aitana Bonmatí on another Ballon d’Or win! You’re showing the world what women’s sports are all about — talent, hard work, and heart. To every girl out there: don’t just watch, get in the game. Support women’s sports, play, cheer, and dream big. We’re all stronger when we lift each other up.
Throughout the season, Kate Martin has been gaining popularity, and her following is expanding well beyond basketball. She is relatable, well-connected to the sports world, and adept at making fans feel included, as this shoutout demonstrates.
With more than 12,000 reposts of her initial message, “Kate Martin” and “Dembélé” were trending alongside each other by midnight. One of the most wholesome sports crossovers of 2025, according to sports media outlets already.
Kate Martin recently demonstrated that athletes from various sports could bring fans together for a single moment of celebration, and the internet is giddy with anticipation.
