Ousmane Dembélé has reaffirmed his love for Barcelona despite his successful stint with Paris Saint-Germain, where he recently won the Champions League. The French winger played a crucial role in PSG’s treble-winning campaign, marking a career resurgence after years of injury struggles at Barça. “I joined Barcelona when I was 20. It was always my dream club, and I would never speak ill of it—no matter the circumstances,” Dembélé stated after PSG’s triumph. His departure from Barça in 2023 came after six mixed seasons, with his closest Champions League run being the 2018-19 semifinals alongside Lionel Messi.
Since moving to PSG, Dembélé has transformed into a more consistent and impactful player, registering 48 goal contributions this season. His performances have placed him among the favorites for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, sparking debates over whether he or Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal deserves the award. Former Dutch star Wesley Sneijder added fuel to the debate, saying, “If PSG wins the Champions League, Dembélé will take the Ballon d’Or. Otherwise, it will go to Lamine [Yamal].” The Frenchman’s resurgence has silenced critics who once questioned his reliability due to frequent injuries.
Dembélé’s emotional remarks about Barcelona suggest he still holds the club in high regard, despite his success elsewhere. His journey from a promising but injury-prone talent at Camp Nou to a Champions League winner with PSG has been remarkable. Meanwhile, his Ballon d’Or contention highlights his incredible form this season. Competing against young phenoms like Yamal, Dembélé’s case is strengthened by his key role in PSG’s European triumph.
As the football world debates the Ballon d’Or race, Dembélé’s legacy continues to evolve. His loyalty to Barcelona, despite past challenges, remains unwavering, proving that some bonds in football transcend club changes. With his prime years still ahead, Dembélé’s career trajectory serves as a testament to resilience, making his story one of the most compelling in modern football.