Sometimes a single phrase reveals the essence of an entire career. Ousmane Dembélé makes no secret of it: the No. 1 individual award in football attracts him as strongly as the big team nights. After a year in which PSG lifted trophies one after another, and the winger regularly influenced results — with goals and assists — he found himself on the short list of leading contenders. We spoke with Ousmane about motivation, pressure, and the balance between personal and team objectives.
The Ballon d'Or as a Personal Summit
— Ousmane, what does the Ballon d'Or mean to you?
— Among individual awards in our sport there is no higher bar. For me, it is the real Holy Grail of football — a sign that you've touched the elite. It’s enough to scroll through the list of winners to grasp the scale.
The Stands and Expectations Before the Champions League Final
— Before the Champions League final, fans were chanting your name and "Ballon d'Or." Did you feel extra pressure?
— I heard those chants; they’re inspiring. But in those days we had one focus — the team. Luis Enrique, the staff, the whole dressing room kept the same line: no noise around us, only the game plan and discipline.
Teamwork and Personal Recognition
— Is it fair to consider you one of the favorites?
— When a club wins four trophies in a season and you consistently contribute to goals, it’s logical that your name comes up in the awards conversation. I take it calmly: individual recognition arrives as a consequence of the team’s journey.
Season Summary and Ambitions Ahead
— How would you describe the past season for yourself?
— Assured, mature. There were important goals, assists, and stretches where I had to work a lot off the ball. But the main thing is my contribution to the overall system. If I’m being listed among the contenders, it means we did everything right as a team.
— Finally, what are you dreaming of today?
— New finals and new trophies. If we keep our level, the rest will follow. The Ballon d'Or is the summit, but the road to it is paved with team victories.
