Ousmane Dembélé’s France role sparks divided verdicts

Ousmane Dembélé’s standing with France has come under renewed scrutiny after a pointed assessment described him as an important team player for Paris Saint-Germain, but not an elite individual talent. The verdict, delivered by journalist Grégory Schneider, has split opinion over the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner’s influence with the national side.

The debate intensified after France drew 1-1 with Italy in the third round of the Nations League. With Kylian Mbappé injured against Turkey and unavailable for the remainder of the international window, coach Zinédine Zidane moved Dembélé into the centre-forward role. The 29-year-old PSG player has not fully convinced in that position, adding to questions about his international form.

Schneider’s criticism focused on what he considered a recurring pattern of disappointing France performances, contrasting them with Dembélé’s impact for PSG. The Italian match strengthened that argument for some observers: L’Équipe rated him 3/10, the lowest mark among France players, while he has continued to make a difference for his club during the same period.

Other supporters rejected the comparison and highlighted Dembélé’s importance to PSG, particularly during the club’s recent Champions League campaigns. The divide now centres on whether his club achievements reflect his overall level, or whether France performances expose a gap between his influence in Paris and his contribution to the national team.