Ousmane Dembele, the recently crowned Champions League winner with Paris Saint-Germain, has set his sights on the prestigious Ballon d’Or, which he describes as the “holy grail” for any professional footballer. After playing a pivotal role in PSG’s historic victory in Europe’s top club tournament, the 28-year-old forward is now eager to replicate the success of his idol, Lionel Messi, a former Barcelona teammate.
In an interview with France Football, Dembele expressed his long-standing dream of winning the Ballon d’Or, commenting, “It’s something you dream of as a child.” He mentioned his ambition to be among the 30 nominees for the award, reflecting on his inconsistent past due to injuries and subpar performances. “This season, I think I’ve been consistent, so we’ll see what happens,” he said.
Dembele acknowledged the criticism he faced over the years, particularly during his time at Barcelona, which was marred by injuries. However, he believes he has matured and adapted his training regimen. “I was already a professional, but now I am a little more so. … But, in the end, you pay dearly, and I saw it – especially in Barcelona,” he remarked, noting his improved understanding of his body and training habits.
As he prepares for PSG’s upcoming Club World Cup match against Atletico Madrid in Pasadena, Dembele is currently sidelined due to an injury sustained in the Nations League semifinal. Despite his absence, PSG enters the match as favorites, while Atletico Madrid’s defenders remain resolute about their competitive spirit. “We know PSG’s quality; they’ve shown it this year, but we compete against anyone and we’re going to compete,” said defender Robin Le Normand.
With Dembele’s renewed focus on his fitness and performance, fans hold hope for his future achievements on both the club and individual levels. His journey underscores the importance of resilience and adaptation in the face of challenges, which can inspire many young athletes.