Ousmane Dembélé discusses evolution and Ballon d'Or prospects

Ousmane Dembélé, the 2025 Ballon d'Or winner, has discussed the evolution of his playing style and his approach to the game. The Paris Saint-Germain attacker noted that as he has matured, he has shifted his focus from individual flair and dribbling to team efficiency and decision-making. He credited his time at Barcelona, particularly playing alongside Lionel Messi, as a key influence in learning how to prioritize effectiveness over spectacle.

Dembélé expressed a preference for collective success over individual accolades, stating that he values team trophies and moments with teammates more than personal awards. Regarding the 2026 Ballon d'Or race, he identified himself and his PSG teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as potential candidates.

In national team news, Dembélé is reportedly being integrated into a new tactical setup under Zinédine Zidane. During training sessions at Clairefontaine, he has been positioned as a central number nine, a role that could redefine the French offensive hierarchy by allowing him to act as a mobile focal point while utilizing wingers like Bradley Barcola.