**Luis Enrique Urges Ousmane Dembele to Focus on Team Goals Ahead of Champions League Return**
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) head coach Luis Enrique has called on Ousmane Dembele to put his recent Ballon d’Or triumph behind him as he prepares to make his return against Bayer Leverkusen. The French champions will face Leverkusen in the UEFA Champions League at the BayArena on Tuesday, October 21.
Dembele, who suffered a hamstring injury during France’s 2-0 victory over Ukraine in the World Cup Qualifiers last month, has been included in PSG’s travelling squad for the crucial Leverkusen clash. The French forward missed more than six weeks of action due to the injury and is expected to play his first UEFA Champions League game of the season against the German side.
Ahead of the match, Luis Enrique emphasized the importance of Dembele focusing on the team rather than individual accolades. “He isn’t the Ballon d’Or: he is Ousmane Dembele. The person he is and the energy that he brings are more important to the team. The Ballon d’Or is over; you value that, but it means nothing. For us, the important thing is to get back Marquinhos, Desire Doue, and Ousmane! I am happier with his energy, with how he is as a person, than the Ballon d’Or: the Ballon d’Or is over,” Enrique stated.
Dembele clinched the prestigious Ballon d’Or for his outstanding performances throughout the 2024/25 season. He finished ahead of promising talents Lamine Yamal and Vitinha, who secured second and third place respectively. Over 53 appearances across all competitions last season, Dembele netted 35 goals and provided 16 assists, playing an instrumental role in PSG’s historic quadruple win, which included Ligue 1, the UEFA Champions League, Coupe de France, and Trophée des Champions.
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**Speculation Over Dembele’s Future: PSG Could Offload Ballon d’Or Winner If They Sign Julian Alvarez**
French journalist Pierre Menes has sparked transfer speculation by suggesting PSG may consider selling Ousmane Dembele if they secure Atletico Madrid’s LaLiga star Julian Alvarez.
Dembele is reportedly keen to negotiate a new and improved contract at PSG, leveraging his stellar performances from last season. However, if the club remains firm on their stance and does not offer the former Barcelona forward an upgraded deal, he could depart the French capital, similar to the exit of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Menes commented, “He had an exceptional season, rightly rewarded with a Ballon d’Or. Now he wants to enjoy the financial benefits of it. We’ll see if PSG are as firm with him as they were with Donnarumma. If Paris can bring in Julian Alvarez, perhaps they’ll sell Dembele.”
Julian Alvarez joined Atletico Madrid in August 2024 from Manchester City for a reported fee of €75 million. Since his arrival, he has featured in 67 games under Diego Simeone, scoring 36 goals and providing 11 assists, quickly becoming a key player for the Spanish giants.
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As the new season unfolds, all eyes will be on PSG’s squad dynamics and how they manage their star players amidst the competitive pressures of both domestic and European football. Fans will be eager to see Dembele’s impact upon his return and whether contract talks influence the club’s transfer strategy moving forward.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/news-you-value-that-means-nothing-psg-boss-luis-enrique-makes-claim-ousmane-dembele-s-ballon-d-or-win-ahead-leverkusen-clash
