Ousmane Dembélé has truly changed for the 2024-2025 season, becoming a less injured and more effective player. This was explained by the 28-year-old striker’s return to central defence for Paris Saint-Germain and the French national team. But also by changes in his personal life, with a marriage and a birth that have allowed him to grow. In an interview with Onze Mondial, the French international spoke about the impact of family on his career.
Dembélé: “It’s a new role, and I like it.”
“How has becoming a married man and a father impacted your career?”
It’s not the same thing (smiles). You have a lot more responsibilities.” It’s changing a little, but I’ve always been the same as I was when we first met in Barcelona in 2018. I already explained it to you then: I like to stay at home, quiet with my family and loved ones. In that respect, nothing has changed. But it’s true that becoming a father is a new role, and I like it.
Dembélé: “My mom plays a central role.”
What role does your mom play in your career?
From the beginning, my mom has been behind me. My mom plays a central role. From Évreux until we left for Rennes. At the age of 11, she followed me, she didn’t let go, she pushed me. After I left for Dortmund, she left me a little, because she had to stay in France. But from the beginning, my mom has been there for me; she’s everything to me. »
Family inevitably has an impact, since players are, above all, human beings. There are ups and downs that inevitably have an influence. But also the day-to-day impact, being pushed to be serious or not, being supported in difficult times, calming down when everything seems fine, etc. We can’t say that Dembélé’s personal progress has led to sporting success, but it certainly seems like there has been some help.
His mother’s support for his debut is obvious, and we can clearly feel Dembélé’s gratitude. It can’t be said enough: the people around him are essential in a player’s career, and nothing is left to chance.
