- Former Barcelona coach Xavi once predicted Dembélé could become the world’s best if “used properly.”
- Dembélé signed for Barcelona in 2017 for £135.5m but struggled with injuries, inconsistency, and criticism.
- At PSG, his career flourished, leading to an outstanding 2024–25 season.
- He scored 35 goals and provided 14 assists, helping PSG secure a Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Champions League treble.
- He beat Salah, Mbappé, Yamal, and Raphinha to win the Ballon d’Or.
- His rise was fueled by PSG’s backing, Mbappé’s departure, and Luis Enrique’s demand for him to embrace a more selfish, goal-focused mindset.
Back in 2021, Xavi Hernández boldly declared that Ousmane Dembélé had the potential to become the best player in the world if only he was “used properly.” For years, that statement was met with skepticism. Dembélé’s career at Barcelona was marred by long-term injuries, patchy performances, and doubts over his commitment after his record-breaking £135.5 million move from Borussia Dortmund in 2017.
But today, that prophecy has come true. The French winger has silenced his critics by lifting football’s most prestigious individual honor — the Ballon d’Or — after a breathtaking 2024–25 season with Paris Saint-Germain.
Dembélé was the heartbeat of PSG’s historic campaign, scoring 35 goals and delivering 14 assists as the club stormed to a domestic treble — Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and the Champions League — before also battling to the final of the Club World Cup. His explosive second-half to the season made him Europe’s most unstoppable forward.
His triumph is remarkable considering the competition. He outshone Mohamed Salah, who topped Europe’s goal involvement charts, Kylian Mbappé, who netted more goals overall, and Barcelona’s dazzling duo Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.
The turning point came with his move to PSG. Freed from the turbulence of Barcelona and energized by Mbappé’s blockbuster exit to Real Madrid, Dembélé was told by manager Luis Enrique to embrace a more ruthless, selfish role. “We need goals from you. Be egotistical,” was the message from PSG’s coaching staff, who constantly hammered the mantra: “Ballon d’Or, Ballon d’Or, Ballon d’Or.”
That belief transformed him from a mercurial talent into the world’s best player. After years of setbacks, Dembélé is no longer just living up to his potential — he has finally surpassed it.
