Ousmane Dembele has his eyes set on football's biggest individual prize. The former Barcelona winger, now shining at PSG, recently opened up about his Ballon d'Or aspirations in a candid interview with France Football.
"Winning a Ballon d'Or is the holy grail for any footballer," Dembele admitted. "It's something you dream of as a child." After helping PSG secure a historic treble including their first-ever Champions League trophy, he now finds himself among the favorites for the prestigious award.
The French winger remains humble despite his impressive season. "I hope to be among the thirty nominees, to begin with," he said. "I've had difficult years with injuries and weak performances in the past."
Dembele believes his consistency this season might give him a chance. His improved reliability could significantly boost PSG's title chances across all competitions next season, making them an attractive option for bettors looking at season-long markets.
From Barcelona Prospect to PSG Star
The 27-year-old admitted he's changed since his Barcelona days. "I'm a little more professional now," he revealed. "Even on rest days, I go to the training center to recover and work with physios."
This new approach has helped reduce his injury problems. "Before, I would go home, play NBA 2K, and watch TV," Dembele confessed. "I was younger then, but you pay dearly for it."
His transformation from injury-prone talent to consistent performer makes him a more reliable player for fantasy football managers and those betting on player performance markets. The days of wondering whether Dembele would be available seem to be behind him.
High Praise for Yamal and Messi
When asked about his Ballon d'Or competition, Dembele didn't hesitate to praise his former Barcelona teammate Lamine Yamal. "When he arrived at the first team, we understood he was exceptional," he said about the teenage sensation.
Yamal's rapid rise has made Barcelona's odds shorten in various markets. The youngster's development will be crucial for the Catalans' chances in both domestic and European competitions next season.
As for the greatest player debate, Dembele's answer was clear. "I grew up watching Barcelona, so naturally it's Lionel Messi," he stated. "For me, he's the greatest. He's a player who inspires me."
Dembele's admiration for Messi highlights the Argentine's continued influence on the game. "I'm very happy and proud to have played with him," the Frenchman added, emphasizing the impact Messi had on his development.
With Dembele now established as one of Europe's premier wingers, his personal battle for the Ballon d'Or adds another fascinating storyline to the upcoming football season. His improved consistency makes both him and PSG more predictable factors for football betting enthusiasts looking ahead to the new campaign.
