Dembélé for the Ballon d'Or? Luis Enrique Says It's Time the World Noticed

In a football world obsessed with goals, assists, and highlight reels, Luis Enrique has offered a rare, passionate take that challenges the mainstream narrative. The Paris Saint-Germain manager has come out publicly in support of Ousmane Dembélé’s Ballon d’Or candidacy—not as a token gesture, but as a serious vote of confidence in a player he describes as "the most complete winger in the world right now."

While the conversation around the Ballon d'Or typically revolves around prolific scorers like Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, or Lionel Messi, Enrique’s assertion adds a fresh layer to the debate—one that values chaos creation, two-footed artistry, tactical intelligence, and relentless work rate over just numbers.

So, what makes Ousmane Dembélé, often a misunderstood and injury-prone figure, deserving of football’s highest individual honor? According to Enrique, the answer lies in everything most people overlook.

A Manager’s Faith

Since taking over at PSG, Luis Enrique has shown an unwavering belief in Dembélé. Even when the French winger struggled to convert chances or deliver on the stats sheet, Enrique persisted, giving him the freedom to roam, create, and break defenses open.

"He’s unmarkable," Enrique once said in a press conference. "There’s no defender in the world who can predict what he’ll do next—because even he doesn’t know until the last moment."

This unpredictability is precisely what the Spanish tactician values—Dembélé’s ability to distort the geometry of the pitch, pull markers out of position, and open space for teammates. In Enrique's PSG, where positional play meets creative freedom, Dembélé isn’t just a winger—he's the system's accelerant.

Beyond Goals: Redefining Impact

Dembélé doesn’t score 40 goals a season. But Luis Enrique argues that his impact goes far beyond the final touch.

In PSG’s build-up play, Dembélé is often the one carrying the ball through the lines, breaking defensive structures with dribbles that seem impossible. He draws multiple defenders, shifts formations, and creates overloads with his clever movement—allowing players like Mbappé, Vitinha, or even Achraf Hakimi to thrive.

Enrique points to "pre-assists," secondary movements, and transition play as key indicators of Dembélé’s influence.

“Football isn’t just about goals—it’s about creating conditions for goals. And no one does that better than Ousmane right now.”

Two Feet, One Genius

One of Dembélé’s most underrated traits is his genuine ambidexterity. He can dribble, pass, cross, and shoot with both feet—not just competently, but interchangeably.

Luis Enrique believes this is what makes Dembélé the most unique player on the planet.

“You can’t defend him the usual way,” Enrique said. “Show him onto his left? He’ll whip in a cross. Force him wide? He’ll cut in and shoot. There’s no textbook answer.”

This quality allows Enrique to use Dembélé on either flank or centrally, adjusting to matchups and tactical needs. His presence creates unpredictability—something data models and defensive schemes struggle to account for.

A Leader Without Words

Dembélé may not be a vocal leader, but Enrique insists that his work rate and mindset set the tone for PSG's pressing game.

“He runs back 60 meters to defend. He tracks runners. He presses with intensity. That’s what I ask of every player—and Ousmane does it every time.”

This is a version of Dembélé the football world doesn’t see often. In a squad full of stars, he plays selflessly, sacrificing personal stats for team shape and structure.

That willingness to put in the hard yards—while maintaining flair and invention in attack—is part of what makes him irreplaceable in Enrique’s system.

Resilience in the Face of Setbacks

Dembélé’s career has often been framed around injuries and inconsistency. But Enrique sees resilience, not fragility.

“People forget how far he’s come. The injuries, the pressure, the criticism. And yet, he’s back, better, more focused, and more decisive.”

After several seasons plagued by muscle issues, Dembélé has finally found fitness and form at PSG. Enrique credits the club’s medical team and the player’s own dedication for this transformation.

It’s this arc—from precocious talent to injury-ridden enigma, to now a dependable game-changer—that Enrique believes embodies the spirit of a Ballon d’Or winner.

A Game-Changer on the Biggest Stage

While PSG’s Champions League campaign plays a major role in shaping Ballon d’Or narratives, Dembélé has already made his mark in Europe this season. Against elite opposition, his performances have stood out—not just for flashy moments, but for his tactical discipline and game intelligence.

In key matches, Dembélé has consistently created chances, delivered key passes, and terrorized defenses with his trademark dribbles. His impact may not always be captured in highlight reels, but Enrique insists that analysts, scouts, and fellow players understand his influence.

“When you watch the full 90 minutes and break down the game tactically, you see what Ousmane brings. He’s the one who opens the door—even if someone else walks through it.”

The Ballon d’Or Criteria Reconsidered

Luis Enrique’s case for Dembélé isn’t just about praising a favorite player—it’s a subtle critique of how the Ballon d’Or is often awarded.

The award, he suggests, should go to the best footballer—not necessarily the one with the most goals, assists, or marketing power.

“If we define ‘best’ as someone who makes his team better, who can’t be replaced, who plays both sides of the ball, and who performs in big games—then Dembélé fits all the criteria,” he said.

In essence, Enrique is calling for a recalibration of how excellence is measured—one that includes intangibles like unpredictability, defensive effort, and team dynamics.

Final Thoughts: A Manager’s Vote of Confidence

Luis Enrique’s endorsement of Ousmane Dembélé for the Ballon d’Or may seem unconventional—but it’s deeply rooted in a footballing philosophy that values the collective over the individual, and intelligence over mere statistics.

In Dembélé, Enrique sees a player who bends games without bending the spotlight toward himself. A player who’s evolved, matured, and redefined what it means to be a modern winger.

Whether or not Dembélé wins the Ballon d’Or this year is beside the point. For Enrique—and increasingly for those watching PSG closely—he’s already playing like the best in the world.

And sometimes, the eye test speaks louder than the numbers.