Ousmane Dembele's recent absences from the Paris Saint-Germain squad have ignited a fierce debate in the French media. With the Ballon d'Or winner frequently rested by manager Luis Enrique, prominent pundits are sharply questioning whether this highly cautious strategy will ultimately benefit the forward or lead to inevitable friction ahead of crucial European fixtures.
Paris Saint-Germain have been handed a significant fitness lift ahead of their high-stakes Champions League encounter with Manchester City this week. Key duo Ousmane Dembélé and Nuno Mendes have both reported back to the club's training base following a period of scheduled rest. The return of two of Luis Enrique's most influential starters comes at a critical juncture as the French champions prepare for their first major continental test of the season.
Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed that Ousmane Dembele and Nuno Mendes will be granted an extended period of leave following their recent international exploits. The decision means the influential duo will not be involved when the French champions return to domestic action this weekend.
Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has revealed his top three candidates to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or. The France international has backed his compatriots, naming Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Michael Olise as the deserving frontrunners for the prestigious award.
France head coach Zinedine Zidane has jumped to the defence of Ousmane Dembele following the winger's difficult display during the Nations League victory over Belgium. Despite the Paris Saint-Germain star facing criticism for his recent international form, his manager remains steadfast in his support.
Former Paris Saint-Germain manager Christophe Galtier has backed three current stars from the French club to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or. The experienced coach believes Fabian Ruiz, Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are all strong contenders for the prestigious individual honour.
Ousmane Dembele has firmly dismissed rumours of a fallout with France team-mate Kylian Mbappe following comments regarding the upcoming Ballon d'Or ceremony. Speculation suggested a frosty relationship had developed between the pair after Mbappe spoke to the media, but Dembele insists their close friendship remains completely intact as they reunite on international duty this week.
Michael Olise emerged as the match-winner with a clinical 88th-minute strike to give France a 1-0 win over Belgium. In a tactical battle at the Koning Boudewijnstadion, Les Bleus dominated possession and finally broke the deadlock through their substitutes.
Ousmane Dembele is set to take the captain’s armband for France in their upcoming Nations League encounter against Belgium on Monday. The Paris Saint-Germain winger steps into the leadership role following the withdrawal of regular skipper Kylian Mbappe due to injury.
Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembele has proposed a hilarious solution to solve the club's 2026 Ballon d'Or dilemma. The reigning award winner has heaped praise on his attacking team-mate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, claiming the Georgian winger deserves to take home this year's ultimate individual honour.
Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe has moved to dismiss suggestions of a growing rift between himself and France team-mate Ousmane Dembele. The two forwards are set to go head-to-head for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, but Mbappe insists their friendship remains intact despite the high-stakes individual competition.
Reigning Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele has backed his Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to claim the prestigious prize this year. The French winger praised the former Napoli star's incredible form, although Kvaratskhelia insists he would vote for Dembele to retain the honour.
Kylian Mbappe has reportedly alienated several of his France team-mates following his controversial public remarks regarding the Ballon d'Or. Ousmane Dembele is said to be particularly furious, viewing the comments as a betrayal, which has led to a tense atmosphere and the formation of two separate factions within the national team dressing room ahead of their upcoming fixtures.
Ousmane Dembele has offered a pointed response to Kylian Mbappe's recent claims regarding their respective career paths and standing in the game. Following Paris Saint-Germain's victory against Brest, the winger addressed the narrative of being "the chosen one" in a way that suggests a brewing rivalry for individual honors.