As Paris Saint-Germain’s French forward Ousmane bags maiden Ballon d’Or, mid-day highlights his ebbs and flows en route to becoming the world’s best
Ousmane Dembele with his Ballon d’Or in Paris on Monday. Pic/AFP
Lessons learnt at Barcelona
Dembele was always known to be talented — Barcelona paid over $120 million (Rs 1065cr approx) to get him from Borussia Dortmund in 2017. However, the French forward’s time in Catalonia was characterised by indiscipline (reports claimed a late-night gaming habit affected his punctuality at training) and injuries (14 muscle injuries). However, being discarded by Barca brought about a new hunger in Dembele. He reportedly improved his nutrition and trained harder. The birth of his daughter in 2022 is also said to be one of the reasons for his new-found maturity.
Filling Mbappe’s big boots
Kylian Mbappe. Pic/Getty Images
With the departure of superstar forward Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid in 2024, Dembele, 28, being the team’s most experienced forward, invariably had big boots to fill. He stepped up big time, scoring not just 35 goals which surpassed his previous career best of 14 with Barcelona (2018-19), but also proved a valuable team player with 16 assists.
Coach Enrique’s switch hit
PSG boss Luis Enrique. Pic/Getty Images
A lot of credit for Dembele’s resurgence should also go to PSG coach Luis Enrique. The Spaniard pulled off a tactical masterclass by moving Dembele from his usual right wing to the role of a false nine (beginning in December). Enrique felt Dembele possessed the necessary attributes and demanded his star forward to be more ruthless in front of goal while continuing to rack up assists. The challenge was well met.
PSG’s brightest star
PSG won their first Champions League title last season — along with a clean sweep of all three domestic titles (Ligue 1, Coupe de France and Trophee des Champions) — and amidst a raft of talented players, Ousmane Dembele shone the brightest. He finished the season with 35 goals and 16 assists, well ahead of wingers Bradley Barcola (21 goals and 21 assists) and Desire Doue (16 goals and 16 assists).
The other winners...
Kopa Trophy:
Lamine Yamal (men’s), Vicky Lopez (women’s)
Yashin Trophy:
Gianluigi Donnarumma (men’s), Hannah Hampton (women’s)
Gerd Muller Trophy:
Viktor Gyokeres (men’s), Ewa Pajor (women’s)
Johan Cruyff Trophy:
Luis Enrique (men’s), Sarina Wiegmann (women’s)
Club of the Year:
PSG (men’s), Arsenal (women’s)
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