Moussa Sissoko's influence over Dembélé's messaging

Moussa Sissoko’s role in shaping Ousmane Dembélé’s public image has come under focus after the Paris Saint-Germain forward’s latest comments about the Ballon d’Or debate. The After Foot discussed the agent’s influence and his place within the communication strategy surrounding one of France’s leading players.

Dembélé spoke to Ligue 1+ after PSG’s 1-0 victory at Brest on Sunday, responding to a recent interview by Kylian Mbappé about the award. His use of the expression “the chosen one” was aimed at the Real Madrid forward. Daniel Riolo said the intervention had been prepared with help from PSG and its communications department, with Sissoko playing a role behind the scenes.

Sissoko also represents Désiré Doué, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and other France internationals. Walid Acherchour described him as a powerful figure in French football because of the number of players he has at PSG and within the national team setup.

Riolo presented the agent’s work as protecting his clients, promoting them and carefully managing their media exposure. He also linked the Ballon d’Or debate to contracts and financial interests, pointing to efforts around Mbappé’s candidacy and rival messaging from Sissoko’s network. Riolo said influential agents can affect clubs through their player portfolios, while urging journalists to test the claims and narratives placed before them.