Ousmane Dembélé Earns Manager’s Praise After Stellar Champions League Performance

Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique called Ousmane Dembélé his personal Ballon d’Or winner. This was after Dembélé’s great performance in the Champions League final against Inter Milan.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Paris Saint-Germain won their first UEFA Champions League trophy by defeating Inter Milan. Luis Enrique praised Dembélé for his performance. The coach admired his defensive work, pressing, leadership, and key role in attack. Enrique said, “Ousmane is my Ballon d’Or. No doubts at all.” Dembélé played a key role for PSG this season, excelling in a new No.9 role under Enrique.

DEMBÉLÉ’S STUNNING SEASON

Dembélé had a fantastic 2024-25 season. He was involved in more goals than any player in Europe’s top leagues, with 31 goal involvements since January and scoring 25 goals. This marked a dramatic turnaround after previous injury problems and an inconsistent spell at Barcelona. Dembélé’s transformation under Enrique helped PSG dominate domestically and conquer Europe for the first time. He scored 8 crucial goals in the Champions League to help PSG reach and win the final.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR PSG AND DEMBÉLÉ?

Paris Saint-Germain achieved historic success with their Champions League win, and they also finished the Ligue 1 season as champions. They aim to defend their European title. Dembélé’s rise as PSG’s attacking leader is crucial. The club must adapt without Kylian Mbappé, who left at the end of the campaign. PSG will face the French Super Cup against cup winners Lyon. Dembélé’s challenge is to maintain his world-class form and compete for the actual Ballon d’Or award.