Xavi Hernandez, legendary former midfielder for FC Barcelona (767 matches) and Spain (133 caps), who also coached Barça (2021-2024), was invited by Foot Mercato to comment on the 2025 Ballon d’Or won by Ousmane Dembélé, the 28-year-old striker for Paris Saint-Germain and the French national team, whom he coached in Catalonia (he played there from 2017 to 2023).
Xavi: “Dembélé made the difference.”
“Ousmane is an exceptional player, we knew that from the moment he arrived at Barcelona. We saw his full potential, we worked hard to make him feel comfortable and happy. We saw a player with great potential for improvement, a real desire to learn, and he has progressed enormously with us.”
Then the offer from Paris Saint-Germain arrived, he moved to Paris, and there, he completely exploded. He’s happy there, he feels like the star of the team, of the project. And what’s more, they won the Champions League, where he shone with so many goals and assists. He made the difference.”
There was never any doubt about Dembélé’s talent, except perhaps in his finishing. But for a long time, he lacked consistency, both in his play and in playing in consecutive matches without injuries. Barça helped him grow and progress. But he truly took a step forward last season.
He had a turning point playing in the center, scoring a few important goals that “led to” the next ones. Enough to change the direction of PSG’s season and experience an exceptional moment in his career. Now, one question remains, a little unresolved because of his injury (well, almost over): perhaps continue like this? Was this a special year to return to more “usual” numbers in his career? We can believe that Dembélé has truly established himself at the highest level, we hope for confirmation.
