The “future” Enrique mentioned soon became reality. Dembele was repositioned as a false nine, a central role that unlocked his full potential. In the semi-final first leg against Arsenal the following April, he scored the only goal at the Emirates Stadium, signaling a transformed player and a resurgent PSG.
Over the 2024-25 season, Dembele amassed 35 goals and 16 assists in 53 matches, helping PSG achieve a historic treble, including their first-ever Champions League trophy. Following the 5-0 thrashing of Inter Milan in Munich, Enrique lauded his protégé, despite Dembele not scoring in the match:
“I’d give the Ballon d’Or to Mr Ousmane Dembele,” Enrique said. “The way he defended, only that can be worth the Ballon d’Or. This is how you lead a team—goals, titles, leadership, defending, how he was pressing… Ousmane is my Ballon d’Or. No doubts at all.”