In a post-match interview following the UEFA Champions League final in Munich, Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembélé stunned football fans with unexpected praise for his former club, FC Barcelona. Despite PSG’s early exit from the competition, the French winger shifted focus to Barcelona’s remarkable resurgence in the 2024 season, speaking with deep respect and admiration for the club.
Dembélé, whose time at Barcelona was plagued by injuries and criticism, reflected on their success with surprising maturity. He commended their La Liga triumph, tactical evolution, and the team’s rediscovered identity under a new manager. His words highlighted a genuine emotional connection to the club that shaped a significant part of his career. The Frenchman emphasized Barcelona’s collective strength, praising their ability to overcome setbacks and dominate rivals like Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid.
He noted their tactical flexibility, blending possession-based play with direct attacking—a style reminiscent of their golden era under Pep Guardiola. While acknowledging Barcelona’s Champions League semi-final defeat to Inter Milan, Dembélé remained optimistic about their future. He pointed to their mental resilience and tactical growth as signs that the club is poised to reclaim its place among Europe’s elite. Reflecting on his own struggles at Barça, Dembélé admitted injuries and criticism tested him.
Yet, he credited the club for teaching him resilience and humility. Despite his move to PSG, he expressed pride in having contributed to Barcelona’s rebuilding phase and joy at seeing them thrive post-departure. Dembélé also lauded Barcelona’s faith in youth, singling out talents like Lamine Yamal, Gavi, and Fermín López as key to the club’s future. He praised the fans for their unwavering support, calling them instrumental in the team’s resurgence. His comments sparked mixed reactions online, with some fans appreciating his honesty while others were surprised given his exit. However, the overall response was one of respect for his maturity and heartfelt sentiments.
Analysts speculated whether Dembélé’s words hinted at lingering ties to Barcelona, though a return seems unlikely. Regardless, his interview underscored how football’s emotional bonds endure beyond transfers and rivalries. Dembélé’s unexpected praise serves as a testament to Barcelona’s enduring legacy. As the club continues its upward trajectory, his words add weight to their journey, proving that the Barça crest leaves a lasting mark on those who wear it—even if only for a chapter.