Julien Stéphan, former coach of Rennes and currently with Queens Park Rangers (English 2nd division), discussed in 2024 the possibility of Ousmane Dembélé winning the Ballon d’Or, provided the 28-year-old Paris Saint-Germain and French national team forward improved his finishing. With the award ceremony just hours away, and the former Rennes player among the favorites, the coach praised him in an interview with Le Parisien.
Stéphan: “Then there’s all the responsibility he’s taken on.”
“What impresses you most about his transformation?”
“His leadership. I knew he had it, but now he’s demonstrated it exceptionally well through his pressing. He’s been incredible in that aspect. Then there’s all the responsibility he’s taken on in various matches, setting an example. It’s not just about scoring goals; he’s also a very strong link in PSG’s game.”
“Why did it take him so long to overcome his shortcomings in terms of composure?”
“I’m not surprised by that. Some players mature very early, but when you’re not a natural goalscorer, when you’ve been trained on the wing like Ousmane, with exceptional natural dribbling and attacking qualities, you have to accept that it takes longer. At 28, he’s gained maturity in his life, he manages his emotions better. Between 21 and 25, he also had injuries that prevented him from being on the pitch to work on his finishing.”
Stéphan: “Luis Enrique has been essential in his development.”
“The role of Luis Enrique?”
“He has been essential in his management, his guidance, and in the decision to reposition him on the pitch, of course. From November 2024 onwards, he had an undeniable breakthrough.”
There were doubts at the start of the 2024-2025 season, when Kylian Mbappé relinquished the role of “leader” of the attack. Dembélé’s performance level was too inconsistent to be considered a reliable match-winner. However, this period of uncertainty, this need for him to grow and assert himself, has clearly helped him.
Furthermore, coach Luis Enrique has evidently found the right approach, building on the team spirit fostered at PSG. He stated at the end of the season that one of his best decisions regarding Dembélé was to leave him out of the squad for the Champions League match against Arsenal. This decision, it seems, pushed the player to understand his role better and to fully grasp all the responsibilities he needs to fulfill on the pitch.
The Spanish coach also positioned him centrally, giving him greater freedom. He had done this occasionally before, but it became more consistent. Dembélé is now operating in different areas, closer to the goal, and he has gained confidence with each goal he scores. It’s a combination of factors, including his personal life, which has also contributed to his development. Will this lead to the ultimate triumph? We’ll find out tonight.
