PSG-Lille (3-0): Dembélé, what a magician!

“And Ousmane Ballon d’Or, and Ousmane Ballon d’Or! » As in 2025, Ousmane Dembélé is starting the year with a bang. Already a scorer against Paris FC and OM, the 28-year-old striker confirmed his return to grace by opening the scoring with a shot close to the post before already scoring the goal of the season against Lille (3-0), this Friday, at the Parc des Princes.

A shot from 25 m with total mastery (1-0, 13th), then a marvelous lob which surprised poor Berk Özer, humiliated, like the rest of his defense by the class of a decidedly extraordinary player (2-0, 64th). With his left foot then his right, Dembélé did everything for them, reminding us why the Ballon d’Or jury gave him the precious sesame. “There are some great goals in my career but this one is not bad,” he said in all modesty at the microphone of BeIn Sports.

This well deserved the applause from the Parc des Princes and his now iconic song that we take pleasure in hearing more and more in recent weeks. Gave a standing ovation when he was replaced by Gonçalo Ramos (75th), Ousmane Dembélé was sensational.

The numbers speak for themselves. In the last five matches played by the Parisian club, he has scored five times, always as a starter. His only clean copy dates back to Monday during the elimination in the round of 16 of the Coupe de France against Paris FC (0-1), a match in which he only returned in the 64th minute, before missing a face-to-face with the excellent Nkambadio. This time he adjusted the sights perfectly.

In his preferred position of “false 9”, one shot in front, the other behind, the French international (57 caps, 7 goals) wandered into the free spaces to manhandle the Lille defense.

Without making any noise, he came back strong, reassuring all observers about his state of form after spending more than two months in the infirmary during the first phase of the season. Well managed by the staff who did not seek to rush things, Dembélé appears ready to attack the high mountains, while Paris will return to the Champions League on Tuesday in Lisbon.

He had the eye of the tiger

Both available for his partners, creative in his ability to find gaps, he not only distinguished himself in the finish, but also displayed that rage that we love when he initiates the first pressing. In a period where the eye of the tiger is the fashionable expression, Dembélé has led by example. A riot of energy that says everything about the good feelings he is experiencing at the moment.

The Golden Ball also did not hesitate to move to the right wing where he managed to make the difference several times. Offside by nothing on a deep call, he could have offered another goal to Nuno Mendes (57th). Not bothered one bit by the rumors about his possible contract extension, Ousmane Dembélé, linked until 2028, reminded those who doubted that he remains an essential player for this team. An element that is not so easily replaced. At this level, the question does not even arise. We’re willing to hand over the pen and printer so he can sign a new contract.