Dembélé's Impact: How He Made Everyone Forget About Mbappé in One Season
The career of Ousmane Dembélé has been a rollercoaster, but his current stint at PSG has solidified him as one of the world’s top footballers. From his early days at Rennes, where he dazzled in Ligue 1 at just 18 with his speed and dribbling, to his explosion in Paris, the Frenchman has proven to be a one-of-a-kind player. His ability to use both feet, his lightning-fast pace, and his knack for unsettling defenses have made him a formidable force, though his journey to the top has been anything but smooth.
Dembélé’s talent truly began to shine at Borussia Dortmund, where his dynamic style and capacity to outmaneuver opponents put him on the global stage. Later, his move to Barcelona came with sky-high expectations, but injuries and inconsistency stalled his rise. Everything changed when he joined PSG. Under the guidance of Luis Enrique, the forward has found his footing, evolving into a key figure and unveiling a mature, lethal version of himself. In the 2024/25 season, his stats are staggering: 30 goals in just two months, leading the charge for PSG in both Ligue 1 and the Champions League, where the team knocked out Liverpool in a thrilling penalty shootout.
Ousmane Dembélé: The Resurgence of an Unstoppable Talent
Dembélé’s impact at PSG has been so overwhelming that it has overshadowed even the memory of Kylian Mbappé, once the club’s poster boy. With Luis Enrique at the helm, the Frenchman has taken on a more central role, shifting from an unpredictable winger to a complete striker. His ability to score, assist, and dribble sets him apart, but what truly elevates him above players like Mohamed Salah is his defensive commitment. In pivotal matches, such as the clashes against Liverpool, Dembélé didn’t just shine with goals—he also excelled in high pressing and recoveries, revealing a dimension few anticipated.
At 26, Dembélé has reached the footballing peak many foresaw since his Ligue 1 days. His resurgence has not only revitalized PSG but also positioned him as a contender for the world’s best player title. Far from being just an individual talent, he has become the linchpin of a team dreaming of lifting its first Champions League trophy. With this refined version of himself, Dembélé has not only erased Mbappé’s shadow but also redefined what it means to be a star in Paris, propelling PSG to new heights with his blend of brilliance and grit.
