Former Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembélé has made headlines with his emotional reaction to Barça’s dramatic 4-3 victory over Real Madrid in El Clásico. Now at Paris Saint-Germain, Dembélé described Barcelona’s resurgence under Hans-Dieter Flick as “like a science fiction film, but painfully real,” praising the club’s revival after years of struggles. Dembélé, who endured ups and downs during his time at Camp Nou, highlighted Flick’s impact in restoring Barcelona’s identity. “Flick revived an identity,” he said. “He gave meaning to the badge again.” The German coach has led Barça to a historic domestic treble and four consecutive Clásico wins, reigniting the club’s warrior spirit.
The French winger also marveled at Barcelona’s collective strength, calling the team “a tribe of warriors.” He pointed to their dominant first-half performance against Madrid, where the Blaugrana controlled the game for 24 minutes straight, as proof of their renewed belief. One of the standout performers in the match was 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, whom Dembélé dubbed “Mbappé’s curse.” The teenager’s fearless creativity left a lasting impression, with Dembélé comparing him to Barça legends like Ronaldinho and Messi. “He plays like he was born for these moments,” he said. Despite his admiration, Dembélé’s comments carried a hint of regret. “I follow them and wish them success,” he admitted.
“But I do sometimes ask myself—what if I had stayed?” His introspection revealed a deep connection to the club, even after his departure. Dembélé also offered advice to Yamal, urging him to stay true to himself amid growing hype. “Don’t let them take away your spontaneity,” he said. “You play as if you were born for these moments. So stay true to yourself.” His closing message to Barcelona was a plea to preserve their rediscovered identity. “Never lose this identity again,” he said, emphasizing the importance of culture and passion over mere results.
In the end, Dembélé’s words were more than just praise—they were a tribute to a club that still holds a special place in his heart. As Barcelona continues its resurgence, his reflections serve as a reminder of the emotional power of football.