Ousmane Dembele’s transformation from an inconsistent young prodigy to the best player in the world culminated in his winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or. After years of setbacks with injuries and form struggles, Dembele’s move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and a change in tactical role allowed him to fully realize his immense talent and become one of football’s most complete forwards.
Early Career and Struggles
Dembele burst onto the scene with electrifying pace and dribbling ability at Rennes and Borussia Dortmund. However, his years at Barcelona were hindered by chronic injuries—14 muscle injuries kept him sidelined frequently—and questions about professionalism. These problems limited his consistency and prevented him from fulfilling his early potential.
The Turning Point at PSG
In August 2023, PSG signed Dembele for €50.4 million, a significant discount to the €96.8 million Barcelona paid. Initially playing as a winger, Dembele’s major career evolution began mid-2024 when PSG manager Luis Enrique repositioned him as a central forward or false nine. This shift allowed Dembele to receive more touches and focus on finishing as well as creating, triggering a prolific goal-scoring season.
Tactical Change and Mental Growth
With Kylian Mbappe’s departure to Real Madrid, PSG needed a leading scorer. Dembele embraced this responsibility, doubling his previous goal output and becoming the team’s focal point. He refined his game by working on precise finishing and positioning rather than only relying on his flair and dribbling. This maturity combined with tactical freedom unlocked his true potential.
Performance Statistics (2023-2025)
| Season | Competition | Matches Played | Goals | Assists | Goal Involvements (G+A) | Minutes Played | Goals per 90 min | Assists per 90 min |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023/24 | Ligue 1 | 26 | 3 | 8 | 11 | 1510 | 0.18 | 0.48 |
| 2024/25 | Ligue 1 | 29 | 21 | 6 | 27 | 1737 | 1.09 | 0.31 |
| 2024/25 | UEFA Champions League | 15 | 8 | 6 | 14 | 1133 | 1.09 | 0.48 |
| 2024/25 | All Competitions | 49 | 33 | 15 | 48 | 3993 | 0.74 | 0.34 |
| 2025/26* | Ligue 1 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 180 | 1.00 | 0.50 |
(*) Early 2025/26 season data.
Key Achievements
-
2024/25 Season: Dembele was joint top scorer in Ligue 1 with 21 goals, winning the Ligue 1 Player of the Year and helping PSG secure a continental treble (Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Champions League).
-
Champions League Impact: Dembele scored vital goals including two hat-tricks and set a new record for most goal contributions (goals + assists) by a player from a French club in a single Champions League season (12).
-
Ballon d’Or 2025: His stellar season was capped by winning the prestigious Ballon d’Or, joining French legends such as Benzema and Zidane.
Tactical and Personal Development
Dembele’s transformation was not purely physical but also mental. He adopted a more professional approach, engaging in video analysis and honing his finishing skills. Rather than relying solely on footwork and speed, he learned the subtleties of positioning and placement, turning him into a versatile forward capable of scoring tap-ins, rebounds, and finishing from different angles. This dedication elevated his game to an elite level.
Conclusion
Ousmane Dembele’s rise to football’s summit after years of challenges highlights how talent combined with tactical clarity, opportunity, and personal growth can produce greatness. His new role at PSG unlocked a goal-scoring prowess that was always latent but untapped during his earlier years. Dembele’s Ballon d’Or-winning season is a triumph of resilience, adaptability, and fulfilled potential, making him one of the finest players in the world today.