EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ — France coach Didier Deschamps has expressed confidence that Ousmane Dembélé can begin to reproduce his Paris Saint-Germain form with the national team, despite growing criticism of the forward’s performances in a France shirt. Deschamps spoke to journalists on Monday ahead of France’s World Cup opener against Senegal.
Dembélé, the current Ballon d’Or holder, saw his profile rise after an outstanding 2024-25 season with PSG in which he won a treble, finished as Ligue 1 top scorer and was named UEFA Champions League Player of the Season. He followed that by helping PSG retain domestic and European honours last term, but injuries have disrupted his continuity.
Deschamps said Dembélé began the season strongly but was forced into several breaks because of injuries, and that the frequency of matches can affect a player’s output. The coach added that the Ballon d’Or has increased scrutiny on the forward but described Dembélé as focused and part of the collective effort.
The forward’s place in the France attack remains under scrutiny, with Dembélé having seven goals in 59 international appearances and a mixed history in major tournaments. He was substituted early in the 2022 World Cup final after an ineffective display, missed much of Euro 2021 after a knee injury and faced criticism for his showing against Northern Ireland in a pre-World Cup friendly.
Deschamps noted the need to manage Dembélé’s minutes and wellbeing, citing the physical and psychological toll of recent fixtures including the Champions League final. He said having Dembélé at his best would be a significant plus and that the squad would allow him time to reach that level. France meet Senegal at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday, face Iraq in Philadelphia six days later and finish Group I in Boston against Norway on June 26.
