The Digest:
Ousmane Dembélé’s rise to the top of the 2025 Ballon d’Or race has sparked significant debate. Despite his pivotal role in PSG’s treble, his history of inconsistency raises doubts about his world-class status. With his early years marked by off-field issues and injuries, his talent has often been overshadowed by poor professionalism. Only now, at 28, does he appear to be living up to his potential, but is it enough for global recognition?
Key Points:
- Dembélé’s talent has never been in question; Messi called him a ‘phenomenon’ in 2018.
- His off-field behaviour at Barcelona, including late arrivals and poor diet, hindered his progress.
- After moving to PSG, his form began to improve, but doubts remain about his consistency.
- In 2023, his performance for PSG peaked, contributing to their Champions League win with crucial goals.
- A standout performance in 2025 raised hopes of him finally reaching world-class status.
- His exclusion from GOAL’s World-Class Club highlights the need for sustained excellence.
- His World Cup performance raised further concerns, with Dembele’s inconsistent contributions in major tournaments.
In the coming months, Dembele must prove that his recent form isn't a fluke and deliver on football's grandest stages. Can he live up to his potential or remain a ‘what if’?
Sources: Goal.com, PSG,
