Ousmane Dembélé: A Ballon d’Or Contender in the Making?

Ousmane Dembélé has undergone a remarkable transformation this season, emerging as PSG’s most influential attacking player. Once labeled an inconsistent and injury-prone winger during his six-year spell at Barcelona, the 27-year-old is finally fulfilling his potential in Paris. Under the guidance of Luis Enrique, Dembélé has adapted to a more central role, delivering his most productive season to date. His recent goal-scoring exploits, including back-to-back hat-tricks, have made him one of the most feared forwards in Europe, and he is now a legitimate candidate for individual honors like the Ballon d’Or.

Season Performance & Statistics

Dembélé’s form has grown exponentially since December, with his shift into a more central attacking role paying dividends. Below are his key statistics for the 2024-25 season so far:

• Appearances (All Competitions): 32
• Goals: 18
• Assists: 9
• Ligue 1 Goals: 14
• Ligue 1 Assists: 6
• Champions League Goals: 4
• Key Passes per Game: 2.1
• Dribbles Completed per Game: 4.5
• Shot Accuracy: 58%

Dembélé’s recent surge in goal-scoring form is the most striking aspect of his season. Before December, he had only found the net four times, but he has since added 14 goals in just nine matches, including two hat-tricks. His confidence in front of goal has skyrocketed, and he now ranks among the top scorers in Ligue 1.

Tactical Evolution & Positional Shift

For much of his career, Dembélé was known as a tricky winger, capable of beating defenders with ease but often criticized for his lack of consistency in end-product. At Barcelona, he was primarily stationed on the right flank, where he provided width but struggled to contribute regularly in terms of goals.

Luis Enrique has unlocked a new level in his game by deploying him as a false nine or even a pure No.9 at times. This change has allowed Dembélé to:

1. Get into goal-scoring positions more frequently – His pace and movement have been utilized centrally, making him a much greater direct threat.
2. Use both feet effectively – While naturally left-footed, Dembélé prefers to shoot with his right, which has led to more goal-scoring opportunities in the box.
3. Create space for teammates – His dribbling ability draws multiple defenders, freeing up players like Bradley Barcola and new signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
4. Increase his defensive contributions – Playing centrally means he is now more involved in pressing, a key part of Luis Enrique’s tactical system.

Mental & Psychological Growth

One of the biggest criticisms of Dembélé in the past was his mental approach to the game. He often seemed unfocused, lacked discipline, and struggled with inconsistency. This season, however, there has been a noticeable shift in his mentality.

• Resilience: After a poor Euro 2024 campaign with France and being dropped by Luis Enrique earlier in the season, Dembélé responded with determination rather than frustration.
• Leadership: With Kylian Mbappé’s departure looming, Dembélé has taken on more responsibility in PSG’s attack. He no longer plays just for moments of brilliance but as a consistent game-changer.
• Confidence: His improved finishing is largely a result of greater self-belief. He now takes shots earlier, makes better decisions in the final third, and is more composed under pressure.

Kylian Mbappé, his former PSG teammate, highlighted this change, stating, “I think he’s had a mental breakthrough which means he’s more relaxed in front of goal. He’s a top player!”

Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Dribbling & 1v1 Ability: One of the best dribblers in world football, averaging 4.5 successful dribbles per game.
• Versatility & Tactical Adaptability: He can play as a winger, false nine, or central forward, making him difficult to mark.
• Two-Footed Shooting: He can finish with both feet, increasing his unpredictability in the box.
• Work Rate & Pressing: More active in defensive transitions than in previous years.
• Decision-Making: Improved significantly, leading to more goals and assists.

Weaknesses:

• Injury History: While he has stayed fit this season, past injuries remain a concern.
• Consistency: Despite his recent form, sustaining this level throughout the entire season remains a challenge.
• Disciplinary Issues: A red card against Bayern Munich showed that he still has lapses in judgment.

Future Outlook & Ballon d’Or Chances

Dembélé’s current trajectory suggests he could enter the conversation for the Ballon d’Or if he maintains his form. PSG are strong favorites for the Ligue 1 title and remain contenders for the Champions League, with Dembele playing a crucial role.

• If PSG wins the Champions League, and Dembélé continues to deliver in big matches, he will be among the top candidates for the Ballon d’Or.
• If he maintains his goal-scoring run and ends the season as Ligue 1’s top scorer, individual accolades like Ligue 1 Player of the Year are within reach.
• His future with the French national team also looks promising, with a potential starring role in the 2026 FIFA World Cup if he continues to develop.

Ousmane Dembélé has silenced his critics and reinvented himself as one of Europe’s deadliest attackers. Under Luis Enrique, he has found a system that maximizes his strengths while minimizing his weaknesses. His explosive pace, elite dribbling, and newfound composure in front of goal have made him PSG’s most valuable asset in attack.

While challenges remain, especially regarding consistency and staying injury-free, Dembélé is finally on the path to fulfilling his once-limitless potential. If he sustains this level of performance, he could not only lead PSG to European glory but also stake his claim as one of the best players in the world.