Ousmane Dembélé: From Winger to Prolific Striker

At 27, Ousmane Dembélé is experiencing a career-defining moment. Transitioning to a central striker role, he has demonstrated remarkable versatility, scoring an impressive 22 goals in just 17 matches during the 2025 season. His compatriot and former PSG teammate, Kylian Mbappé, believes Dembélé’s potential is limitless given his current form.

Dembélé’s positional shift was facilitated by Mbappé’s departure from PSG, allowing him to flourish as a center-forward. His stellar performances at the club level are expected to translate to the national team, with Dembélé likely to lead the line for France in their upcoming UEFA Nations League match against Croatia.

Mbappé’s Enthusiasm for Dembélé’s Success

Mbappé expressed his excitement about playing alongside Dembélé, particularly given his recent form. He suggested that if Dembélé can replicate his PSG performances for the national team, France will be a formidable force in international competitions.

Guendouzi’s Bold Ballon d’Or Prediction

Mattéo Guendouzi, speaking before France’s Nations League quarter-final, went as far as to suggest that Dembélé is now a serious contender for the Ballon d’Or. He praised Dembélé’s abilities, stating that even without his goal-scoring prowess, he ranks among the top three players globally. Guendouzi emphasized that Dembélé is now adding impressive statistics to his already world-class skill set, making him a feared opponent for many players.