Ousmane Dembélé, the electrifying Paris Saint-Germain star, has revealed the golden nugget of advice he received from none other than Lionel Messi—the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. As Dembélé sets his sights on claiming the coveted Golden Ball in 2025, he’s opening up about how Messi’s mentorship at Barcelona shaped his path to greatness.
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In 2017, a young Dembélé made a blockbuster move from Borussia Dortmund to Barcelona, stepping into the hallowed halls of Camp Nou. There, he found himself not just playing alongside Lionel Messi, widely regarded as the greatest of all time, but also sharing a locker next to him. For four seasons, from 2017 to 2021, the duo combined for 95 appearances, forging a connection that left an indelible mark on the Frenchman’s career.
However, Dembélé’s early days at Barcelona weren’t all smooth sailing. Struggling with injuries and inconsistent form, the winger faced challenges that tested his resolve. Yet, it was during these trying times that Messi, the Argentine maestro, stepped in with advice that would change Dembélé’s perspective forever.
Speaking to FourFourTwo, Dembélé shared the profound wisdom imparted by his former teammate. “I had a very good relationship with Messi from the very first day,” he recalled. “My locker was right next to his, and he gave a lot of advice to me. He told me that I’d have to be serious if I wanted to achieve my dreams.”
Messi’s words weren’t just motivational—they were a blueprint for success. Dembélé soaked up every lesson, watching the Argentine’s every move on the pitch. “Whether he played as a number 10 or number nine, his positioning was exceptional,” Dembélé explained. “Sometimes you don’t seem to see him for about four or five minutes, then as soon as he gets the ball, he instinctively knows what to do.”
Messi’s genius lay in his ability to read the game like an open book. Dembélé marveled at how the Barcelona legend anticipated plays, seamlessly linking up with teammates like Jordi Alba for devastating attacks. “He understands football really well, positions himself very well on the pitch, and you know—we all know—what he can do with his feet,” Dembélé added.
Fast forward to 2025, and Dembélé is no longer the young prospect learning at Messi’s side. Now 28, he’s a World Cup and Champions League winner, and his explosive performances for PSG have thrust him into the Ballon d’Or conversation. Last season, Dembélé lit up the pitch, scoring an astonishing 35 goals across all competitions. His contributions powered PSG to a domestic treble and their first-ever Champions League triumph, cementing his status as one of football’s elite.
Reflecting on his journey, Dembélé is already sharing stories of his time with Messi with his two-year-old daughter. “I am already telling her now!” he said with a smile, hinting at the pride he feels in having shared the pitch with a legend.
As the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony approaches on September 22, Dembélé’s name is buzzing among pundits and fans alike. His blend of blistering pace, clinical finishing, and newfound maturity—perhaps inspired by Messi’s advice to “be serious”—has made him a serious contender for the prestigious award.