Ousmane Dembele has had a strong season. © APA/afp / THIBAUD MORITZ

Best in the world? French promote Dembélé

For national coach Didier Deschamps and defender Ibrahima Konaté, France's attacking ace Ousmane Dembélé is the player of the season.

June 04, 2025

From: dpa

The 28-year-old deserved the Ballon d'Or as the world's best footballer, both said before the Nations League semi-final against Spain on Thursday (21.00 p.m.) in Stuttgart.

Dembélé has played an "extraordinary season," said Konaté, a former Leipzig player who has been under contract with Liverpool FC since 2021. If he had the choice, he would choose the former Borussia Dortmund player, Deschamps explained. Spanish youngster Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona, ​​a "football genius" according to Konaté, is also considered a candidate for the award.

48 goal contributions in 49 games

Dembélé won his first Champions League title with Paris Saint-Germain last Saturday. He scored 33 goals and provided 15 assists in 49 competitive matches for France's top club last season. Whether he will start against Spain or be rested so soon after the Champions League final against Inter Milan (5-0) remains to be seen.

Last year, the French lost to Spain in the semifinals of the European Championship. However, Konaté said this is "no revenge." With all due respect, the Nations League is somewhat less important. Coach Deschamps also stated that he doesn't like the word "revenge."