A year ago, few would have guessed that Ousmane Dembélé would be leading the line for Paris Saint-Germain, let alone emerging as one of the most decisive players in European football. Once known for injury setbacks and inconsistent form, Dembélé has reinvented himself under Luis Enrique.
As a center forward in a pressing system, he’s not just scoring goals, he’s shaping games. The 2024–25 season has seen him produce the most complete campaign of his career—33 goals and 13 assists across all competitions. If PSG go on to win the Champions League, Dembélé will be firmly in the conversation for the Ballon d’Or. But among those many contributions, a handful of goals stood above the rest. These are the five goals that helped define his resurgence.
1. Arsenal (Champions League semi-final, first leg)
The context alone makes this one unforgettable. PSG were in London for the first leg of the semi-final, knowing a clean sheet and an away goal could define their chances. What followed was the purest expression of Luis Enrique’s football.
A 26-pass move ended at Dembélé’s feet. He didn’t panic. With David Raya closing the angle, he opened up his body and passed the ball into the far corner. PSG took a 1–0 lead back to Paris. It was the goal that secured the tie’s momentum and proved that Dembélé wasn’t just reborn—he was now reliable.
2. Liverpool (Champions League round of 16, second leg)
Anfield. 12th minute. PSG were trailing on aggregate and the clock was ticking. Then, a moment of clarity.
Dembélé timed his run between Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté, collected a through ball from Vitinha and an Alisson fumble, which the Frenchman subsequently buried. The equalizer sent the match to a penalty shootout, where he stepped up again and converted.
His calm under pressure spoke volumes. This wasn’t the same player Barcelona fans used to question. This was a leader.
3. Brest (Ligue 1 match, February 1)
Sometimes, it’s not just about the stakes. It’s about the show.
Dembélé’s hat trick against Brest was the second in a week. The third goal, however, was signature brilliance. He picked up the ball just inside the right channel, jinked past two defenders, and curled a left-footed finish into the top corner.
It was expression, confidence, control—all wrapped in one. PSG won 5–2, and Dembélé became Ligue 1’s leading scorer that weekend.
4. Stuttgart (Champions League group stage, January 29)
PSG needed a result in Germany to secure a place in the knockout rounds. What they got was Dembélé at full throttle.
A first-half brace turned into a second-half hat trick. His third came after intercepting a loose pass, darting into space, and slotting calmly past the keeper. No celebration. Just a nod to the away fans. The job was done.
5. Monaco (Trophée des Champions, January 5)
The year started as it would go on, with Dembélé deciding a game.
Deep into stoppage time, he latched onto a flick from Kvaratskhelia and volleyed home from the edge of the box. PSG lifted the French Super Cup with a 1–0 win, and Dembélé kicked off his campaign with a statement: he was ready to be the difference.
