Ousmane Dembélé, the 29-year-old Paris Saint-Germain and France forward, spoke to The Athletic in an interview alongside Fabian Ruiz (30-year-old midfielder) and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (25-year-old forward)—comments that will soon be published on the site. The PSG number 10 discussed, among other topics, the recent Champions League final, his two-footed ability, Fabian Ruiz, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
Dembélé: “It was a tough final.”
The Champions League final?
It was a tough final. We knew Arsenal were a great team; they finished at the top of the league phase. We know they’ve been very difficult to play against in recent years, so we expected a complicated match, especially after conceding a goal and having to come from behind. They defended very well. They’ve kept practically the same group of players for four or five years now.
Dembélé: “When you’re comfortable with both feet, you become truly unpredictable for the opponent.”
Being comfortable with both feet?
Since I was little, I’ve always preferred shooting with my right foot, but I’m not bad with my left either. It’s always been that way, ever since I started playing football. I’ve also worked hard in training to improve both feet. I try to maintain that momentum—being able to shoot just as well with my right as with my left.
(He laughs and turns to Fabian Ruiz)
It’s an aspect footballers should work on—especially Fabian Ruiz. He only has a left foot! But it’s difficult: sometimes I shoot with my right or left and the ball ends up in the stands. That said, it’s true that it makes things easier. When you’re comfortable with both feet, you become truly unpredictable for the opposition.
Dembélé: “He’s a very underrated player in the world of football.”
Ruiz’s importance?
He’s an incredible player. When you have him on your team, you win every trophy. He’s a very special, very calm player who also dictates the tempo of matches. He’s a very underrated player in the world of football.
Dembélé: “It’s a unique moment I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”
I don’t think it really changed my life, even though it was incredible. When you’re young, you dream of winning that kind of individual trophy, even if it wasn’t a specific goal or an obsession for me.
But it was incredible when Ronaldinho handed me that trophy. I felt a great sense of pride—for myself, for my whole family, and for everyone I’ve been close to. They were so happy for me. It’s a unique moment I’ll remember for the rest of my life.
Dembélé: “One of the best wingers, one of the best players in the world.”
Kvaratskhelia?
He’s an incredible player—one of the best wingers, one of the best players in the world. He had an exceptional season last year; he’s very, very important to us. He has so many nicknames: here, they call him “The Best” or “Kvaradona.”
Barça?
“I had the opportunity to fulfill a childhood dream: playing for Barcelona and lining up alongside players like Lionel Messi and Andrés Iniesta.
