Kylian Mbappé has been personally moved by the performances of his close friend Ousmane Dembélé. No player in Europe has scored more goals since the turn of the year than the Paris Saint-Germain forward. The two reunited in France on Monday ahead of the upcoming international matches against Croatia.
In the Paris Saint-Germain squad that Kylian Mbappé left behind last summer, a new star has stepped up to fill the void.
Ousmane Dembélé, once viewed as an inconsistent talent, has transformed into PSG’s primary attacking force, taking on the role of the team’s main finisher since the winter break. His resurgence has been nothing short of remarkable, with an impressive 22 goals to his name since January 1. For a player who had often been criticized for his end product, this sudden explosion of goalscoring form has caught the attention of many, including Mbappé himself.
Mbappé, who remains in daily contact with his childhood friend, admitted in an interview with Le Parisien that he has been deeply moved by Dembélé’s transformation. "I know how often he has been criticized and mocked. Since we were 14 years old, I have been his biggest supporter. I always said, even when he wasn’t scoring, that he is one of the best players in the world. Some people thought I was just saying that because we’re friends. But I can distinguish between friendship and what happens on the field."
Mbappé emphasized that Dembélé’s evolution has been a natural process, dismissing the idea that he was ever falling behind in his career. "At 27, Ousmane has reached the perfect age, which is normal in football. Some players break through earlier, which made people think he was behind schedule. But no, Ousmane Dembélé was never behind; he simply followed his own path of development and has now reached his peak level. The numbers speak for themselves. He has been decisive, he has stepped up in big games, and his importance to PSG is undeniable. I hope he maintains this rhythm, also with the French national team, all the way to 2026 so that we can become world champions together."
Dembélé’s resurgence at club level has also led to increased expectations for his role in the French national team. With France set to face Croatia on Thursday, March 20, at 20:45 CET, all eyes will be on the PSG star to see if he can translate his club form onto the international stage. This match will be a crucial test, not only for Dembélé but also for France as they continue to fine-tune their squad ahead of major tournaments.
While his recent form has sparked debates about individual accolades, the question of whether Dembélé could be considered a candidate for the Ballon d'Or was put to Mbappé. "What is a Ballon d'Or candidate? Do you think Rodri was a Ballon d'Or candidate? For me, he wasn’t at first," said the Real Madrid striker. "The only thing that is certain is that no one should be ruled out. Any player can win the award, maybe even a goalkeeper. Football is unpredictable. A player’s value isn’t just about how many goals they score it’s about impact, consistency, and winning the biggest trophies."
While Mbappé continues to praise his friend’s progress, football has a way of writing dramatic storylines. There is a real possibility that the two could face each other at club level in the near future. If both Real Madrid and PSG progress past their respective quarter-final opponents, they will meet in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League. Such a scenario would set up an emotional reunion, pitting Mbappé against his former club and longtime friend Dembélé in one of the most anticipated matchups of the season.
Despite the potential showdown on the horizon, Mbappé refuses to look too far ahead. "That would be the biggest mistake. It reminds me of last year when everyone was convinced there would be a PSG-Real final. We don’t have time for speculation and predictions. The Champions League is a brutal competition you cannot afford to think beyond the next game."
As the football world watches, Dembélé’s renaissance continues to unfold. Whether it leads to international glory, a deep Champions League run, or even a Ballon d’Or nomination, one thing is clear his resurgence is no longer just a hot streak. It is the mark of a player who has finally arrived at his full potential, ready to challenge the best on both the club and international stages.
