Ousmane Dembélé was supposed to be the next Neymar. That was the hype when Barcelona splashed the cash in 2017. Instead of dazzling skills and match-winning moments, his time at the Camp Nou was a frustrating cycle of injuries, inconsistency, and constant scrutiny. His time in Spain was always a “what if” story, and many wondered if he would ever reach his full potential. And now he’s proving us all wrong, and no one’s happier about it than Kylian Mbappé.
Key Takeaways
- Dembélé’s Rise: From Injury-Prone to PSG’s Star
- Mbappé Always Believed: ‘I Knew He Was World-Class’
- 2026 World Cup Next? France’s Secret Weapon
From Barcelona Struggles to PSG Superstar
Before this season, Dembélé was a player who always left you wanting more. He had the skill, the pace, and the vision, but something always held him back. At Barcelona, every flash of brilliance was followed by an injury or a drop in form. When he moved to PSG, people wrote him off as another big-money signing that wouldn’t work out. But 2025 has seen a version of Dembélé we never expected. He’s not just playing well; he’s dominating, turning games around, and making himself indispensable in Paris.
Mbappé’s Take: “I’ve Been His Biggest Supporter Since We Were 14”
Mbappé, now making headlines in Madrid, has been backing his friend since they were 14. Speaking to Le Parisien, he said:
“Seeing him do this moves me personally because I know how much he’s been criticized and mocked. I’ve been his biggest supporter since we were 14. I’ve always said even when he wasn’t scoring that he was one of the best players in the world. Some thought I was just saying that because I liked him. But I know the difference between friendship and reality on the pitch.”
Why Has It Finally Clicked for Dembélé?
It’s not by coincidence. Luis Enrique has given him a role that plays to his strengths, and he can attack with freedom. For the first time in years, Dembélé is not worried about getting injured, and that’s changed everything. The reckless, inconsistent decision-making that frustrated fans for so long has been replaced with precision and maturity. Mbappé says it’s just the natural evolution of a player; some peak early, others take longer to reach their full potential. At 27, he says his friend is precisely where he should be.
What’s Next? The 2026 World Cup
Dembélé’s club form is one thing, but the real test will come on the international stage. Mbappé is hoping his friend brings this into the 2026 World Cup, where France will be looking to win back the title. With Les Bleus looking to bounce back, having peak Dembélé alongside Mbappé would be the difference. If he can take this to the French national team, they’ll win the World Cup for sure.
Verdict: Dembélé’s time is now
It may have taken longer than expected, but Ousmane Dembélé is finally delivering at the highest level. His 2025 form isn’t a fluke; it’s the result of hard work, the right system, and a player who has grown into his boots. If he continues like this, PSG and France have a real game-changer. At 27 he has his best years ahead of him, and for the first time in a long time, the football world is seeing Ousmane Dembélé at his best.
