Dembélé opens up: his special asset, Ruiz, Kvaratskhelia and Ballon d'Or | OneFootball

Ousmane Dembélé, the 29-year-old forward for Paris Saint-Germain and the French national team, spoke to The Athletic in an interview alongside Fabian Ruiz (30-year-old midfielder) and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (25-year-old forward), whose comments will be published on the site soon. The Parisian number 10 spoke in particular about the last Champions League final, his ability with both feet, Fabian Ruiz (30-year-old midfielder), Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (25-year-old forward), and winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

Dembélé: “It was a difficult final.”

The Champions League final?

It was a difficult final. We knew Arsenal were a great team; they finished top of the league phase. We know they have been very difficult to face in recent years, so we were expecting a complicated match, especially after conceding a goal and having to come back. They defended very well. They have kept virtually the same group of players for four or five years.

Dembélé: “When you’re comfortable with both feet, you become truly unpredictable for the opponent.”

Being comfortable with both feet?

Since I was very young, I have always preferred shooting with my right foot, but I’m not bad with my left either. It has always been that way, ever since I started playing football. I also worked a lot in training to improve both feet. I try to keep that going, to be able to shoot just as well with my right as with my left.

(He laughs and turns to Fabian Ruiz)

It’s something footballers should work on, especially Fabian Ruiz. He only has a left foot! But it’s difficult: sometimes I shoot with my right or my left and the ball ends up in the stands. That said, it’s true that it makes things easier. When you’re comfortable with both feet, you become truly unpredictable for the opponent.

Dembélé: “He is a very underrated player in the football world.”

Ruiz’s importance?

He’s an incredible player. When you have him on your team, you win every trophy. He’s a very special and very calm player, who also dictates the tempo of matches. He is a very underrated player in the football world.

Dembélé: “It’s a unique moment that I will remember for the rest of my life.”

I don’t think it really changed my life, even though it was incredible. When you’re young, you dream of winning that kind of individual trophy, even if it was neither a goal nor an obsession for me.

But it was incredible when Ronaldinho handed me that trophy. I felt a lot of pride for myself, for my whole family, and for everyone I have met along the way. They were very happy for me. It’s a unique moment that I will remember for the rest of my life.

Dembélé: “One of the best wingers, one of the best players in the world.”

Kvaratskhelia?

He’s an incredible player, one of the best wingers, one of the best players in the world. He had an exceptional season last year; he is very, very important for us. He has so many nicknames: here, we call him “The Best” or “Kvaradona.”

Barça?

“I had the opportunity to fulfill a childhood dream: to play for Barcelona and line up alongside players like Lionel Messi and Andrés Iniesta.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.