Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembele has responded to comments made by his fellow Frenchman Kylian Mbappe, insisting that he never considered himself the chosen player.
Dembele explained that hard work has always been the foundation of his career, while he preferred to stay away from the spotlight and focus on his performances rather than constantly discussing himself and his ambitions.
Dembele: I Was Never the Chosen Player
The 29-year-old stressed that he did not earn his status because he was considered a naturally chosen star.
Instead, Dembele believes that consistent effort and hard work allowed him to reach the highest level of the game.
That work eventually produced an exceptional season with Paris Saint-Germain, with the French forward achieving major individual and team success.
Mbappe's Comments About Dembele
Kylian Mbappe had previously praised Dembele, describing his compatriot as a highly talented player.
At the same time, Mbappe spoke about himself as “the chosen player” when discussing his current position and ambitions in world football.
Dembele's response highlighted a different perspective, with the PSG star emphasizing effort, development, and consistency rather than the idea of being selected for greatness from the beginning.
A Historic 2025 for Ousmane Dembele
Dembele enjoyed an extraordinary 2025 with Paris Saint-Germain, helping the club secure several major trophies.
The French star won the Ballon d'Or and played a key role as PSG won Ligue 1, the French Cup, the French Super Cup, and the UEFA Champions League.
Those achievements represented a major transformation in Dembele's career and established him among the leading players in world football.
Dembele Begins the New Season Without Pressure
Dembele also stressed that he is approaching the current season without unnecessary pressure.
The French star wants to focus on football, enjoy playing, and allow events to develop naturally rather than becoming distracted by outside opinions or comparisons with other stars.
His comments reflect his desire to maintain his focus after reaching the highest level of individual recognition in the previous season.
What did Ousmane Dembele say about being the chosen player?
Dembele said he never considered himself the chosen player and emphasized that hard work was the key to his success.
What did Mbappe say about Dembele?
Mbappe praised Dembele's talent while describing himself as the chosen player at this stage of his career.
What were Dembele's biggest achievements in 2025?
He won the Ballon d'Or and helped PSG win Ligue 1, the French Cup, the French Super Cup, and the Champions League.
How is Dembele approaching the current season?
He is playing without pressure and wants to focus on football while allowing things to develop naturally.
How old is Ousmane Dembele?
Ousmane Dembele is 29 years old according to the information provided in the interview.
