Ivan Rakitić (37), midfielder for Shabab Al-Shabab and former FC Barcelona player, spoke to L’Équipe about Ousmane Dembélé (28), the Paris Saint-Germain forward. The former Croatia captain said he was impressed by the path taken by his ex-teammate, whom he believes capable of winning a Ballon d’Or, and he highlighted Luis Enrique’s role in Dembélé’s resurgence.
Rakitić: “I immediately told my teammates this guy had something special.”
“When he arrived at Barcelona, I immediately told my teammates this guy had something special and that he could become a Ballon d’Or winner. He can make a huge difference thanks to his qualities, and he does it with great ease.”
Rakitić: “He fully deserves it.”
“I’m happy and proud to see what he’s achieved, but also to see that he’s happy. I think it’s very important for him to have met Luis Enrique. This could be the start of several years of domination at the highest level. I hope he won’t have any more injuries. But I’m sure — and I can see it — that he’s a player who enjoys playing. We shared wonderful moments together at Barcelona, and I’m happy he’s got there. He fully deserves it.”
Calling Ousmane Dembélé a “special” player, as Ivan Rakitić has done, goes beyond his dazzling dribbles or his ability to destabilize any defense. Everywhere he has played — Rennes, Dortmund, Barcelona and now Paris Saint-Germain — the Frenchman has left both a sporting and human mark.
His teammates often describe a player capable of lighting up a match with an unpredictable burst of pace, but also an endearing man, discreet off the pitch and always smiling in the dressing room. This duality explains the admiration he inspires: his unique technical skills make him a constant threat to opponents, while his cheerful, respectful character makes him indispensable to any squad. Dembélé embodies this rare blend of footballing genius and unifying personality, which strengthens his aura wherever he goes.
