A Long-Awaited Breakthrough for France’s Dembele
It’s been a long and winding road for Ousmane Dembele since his star-studded debut at the 2017 Under-21 European Championship. The winger’s subsequent move to Barcelona and subsequent loan spells had many wondering if the Frenchman would ever recapture the form that made him a darling of the football world. But with a stunning hat-trick against Norway on Friday, Dembele has finally given France the boost they’ve been waiting for.
Dembele’s return to form is a welcome respite for France coach Didier Deschamps, who has been searching for a consistent left winger to complement the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann. The 24-year-old’s pace, skill, and precision have long been a thorn in the side of opposing defenders, and his Norway display was a timely reminder of his quality. With 12 goals in 30 appearances for France, Dembele’s tally is modest, but his impact on the team’s overall performance is undeniable.
For Dembele himself, the breakthrough is a personal vindication after years of struggling to live up to his immense potential. The winger’s struggles at Barcelona were well-documented, and his subsequent loan spells at Borussia Dortmund and Lyon had many questioning his ability to adapt to different systems and leagues. But with France, Dembele has found a sense of freedom and comfort that has allowed him to flourish. “I’m just trying to enjoy the moment and take it one game at a time,” Dembele said after the Norway match. “I’ve worked hard to get to this point, and I’m proud of what I’ve achieved.”
Dembele’s rise to prominence has been a boon for France’s attacking options, but it also raises questions about the team’s overall strategy and formation. With Dembele, Mbappe, and Griezmann all vying for places in the starting XI, the French coach will have to make some tough decisions about how to balance his attack. The debate is set to continue ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, where France will face off against Ukraine and Finland.
As the French national team continues to build towards the 2026 World Cup, Dembele’s resurgence is a welcome boost to the team’s chances. With his pace, skill, and goalscoring ability, the winger is an integral part of France’s attacking arsenal, and his impact on the team’s overall performance will be crucial in the months ahead. “Ousmane’s return to form is a huge plus for us,” Deschamps said after the Norway match. “He’s a talented player who can make a big difference on the pitch.”
In the short term, France will look to build on Dembele’s hat-trick against Norway, with a crucial World Cup qualifier against Ukraine scheduled for next month. But for Dembele, the focus is on the present, and the Frenchman is determined to keep his momentum going. “I’m just trying to enjoy the moment and take it one game at a time,” he repeated after the Norway match. “I’ve worked hard to get to this point, and I’m proud of what I’ve achieved.”
As France continue their march towards the 2026 World Cup, Dembele’s resurgence is a timely reminder of the team’s attacking potential. With the winger’s pace, skill, and goalscoring ability, the French team will be a force to be reckoned with in the months ahead. But for now, the focus is on maintaining momentum, and Dembele is determined to keep his form going. “I’m just trying to enjoy the moment and take it one game at a time,” he said, a smile spreading across his face. “I’ve worked hard to get to this point, and I’m proud of what I’ve achieved.”