Xavi's prediction about Dembélé

During his tenure at FC Barcelona, Xavi Hernández placed strong emphasis on the academy, promoting and giving confidence to players like Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí, Fermín López, and consolidating others such as Gavi and Alejandro Balde. Yet, beyond the young stars, the Terrassa-born coach had a special predilection for Ousmane Dembélé, who would later go on to win the Ballon d’Or.

Dembélé Can Be the Best in the World

From the day he replaced Ronald Koeman, Xavi never hid his admiration for the French winger. At his unveiling as Barça coach, he made his stance clear: "For me, Dembélé can be the best player in the world in his position. But you have to work with him and demand from him. It depends on him, on his mentality, that he avoids injuries and delivers performances. For me, his renewal is a priority."

Dembélé’s Rise Under Xavi

Under Xavi’s guidance, Dembélé improved and became an integral part of Barcelona’s system. The coach often highlighted the winger’s misunderstood personality and rare qualities: "People don’t know Ousmane. He’s an extraordinary guy, very football-minded and much smarter than people think. He’s a differential player, with incredible conditions. He still has to improve in decision-making, but we’re seeing his best version in six years."

The End of the Union

Xavi believed Dembélé’s peak was yet to come: “Imagine when he starts scoring more goals and providing more assists.” That evolution was beginning to show, but the partnership came to an end in the *summer of 2023, when the Frenchman made the move to Paris Saint-Germain.