Ousmane Dembele: A Journey to the Top
“When used properly, he could become the best player in the world.”
This bold assertion from former Barcelona coach Xavi in 2021 reflected a sentiment that Ousmane Dembele had encountered throughout his career. While many were skeptical about the mercurial Frenchman ever reaching the heights predicted for him, especially after his record transfer to Barcelona from Borussia Dortmund for £135.5 million in 2017, Dembele has now proven the doubters wrong.
After enduring a tumultuous journey marked by injuries, inconsistency, and questions about his commitment, the 28-year-old has realized his long-held dream of winning the Ballon d'Or. Overcome with emotion as he thanked his family for their sacrifices during the award ceremony in Paris, Dembele shed tears, embodying the ups and downs of his career.
Dembele's remarkable performance in the 2024-25 season was instrumental in Paris Saint-Germain's treble victory, which included the Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Champions League titles, as well as a runner-up finish in the Club World Cup. He netted 35 goals and provided 14 assists across all competitions, emerging as Europe’s most in-form forward after a slow start to the season.
His achievement is particularly noteworthy considering he outperformed notable competitors, including Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, who had the highest goal involvement in Europe’s top five leagues, and Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe, who scored more goals last season.
Dembele’s transformation began during his tenure at Barcelona before his move to PSG, as he started to adopt a different mindset. The prospect of being a star at PSG motivated him further. The departure of Mbappe to Real Madrid, a move many believed would solidify Mbappe’s status as the world’s best, became a pivotal moment for Dembele, as manager Luis Enrique urged him to embrace a more aggressive scoring mentality.
The coaching staff consistently reminded him of the Ballon d'Or, encouraging him to strive for greatness.
Dembele's Rise Following Mbappe's Exit
In August 2023, PSG acquired Dembele for £43.5 million, and he quickly made an impact, scoring six goals and assisting 14 in his debut season, helping the team secure the league and cup double. However, he was overshadowed by Mbappe, who scored 44 goals in what turned out to be his final season with the club.
With a reshaped PSG in need of a new leader, Dembele stepped up to the challenge. His total of 51 goal involvements surpassed his previous career best, while his 35 goals marked a significant increase from past seasons. Last summer, Enrique made it clear that with Mbappe's absence, he expected more goals from Dembele, granting him the freedom to adopt a more selfish approach on the pitch.
Dembele embraced this new directive and relished his tactical evolution. During the 2023-24 season, he primarily played on the right wing, but with Mbappe's central role vacated, he transitioned to a false nine position, allowing him greater involvement in the game and more opportunities to score.
Overcoming Challenges: Injury, Attitude, and Consistency
While Mbappe’s transfer to Real Madrid was a significant factor in Dembele’s evolution, it was not the sole reason for his transformation. His time at Barcelona was marred by injuries, with 14 muscle injuries resulting in 784 days sidelined. Concerns about his professionalism led the club to hire private chefs for him, and his late-night gaming habits affected his training punctuality, making him one of the most fined players at the club.
Despite these challenges, when fit, Dembele showcased explosive speed and dribbling skills that hinted at the potential Barcelona saw in him. So, what sparked his transformation?
Those closest to Dembele attribute his newfound maturity to his marriage to Rima in December 2021 and the birth of their child. This life change came as a surprise to many teammates, who were unaware he had a partner.
Significant changes occurred during his last two seasons at Barcelona, where he matured both personally and professionally. Dembele began working with a physiotherapist at home and sought specialized treatments in France. Embracing the responsibilities of fatherhood, he adopted a healthier lifestyle, focusing on nutrition with the assistance of a French nutritionist.
For a long time, many believed that PSG's success in the Champions League hinged on the performance of one of France's star players. It turns out they were right, but the player who emerged as the world’s best was not Mbappe, but a rejuvenated Ousmane Dembele.