Oman today_ After several difficult and frustrating months marked by recurring injuries, Ousmane Dembélé delivered his best performance of the season on Sunday night against Paris FC. The start of the new year brought clear improvements in his overall level, physical sharpness, and confidence for the French international. Exactly one year after opening 2025 with a decisive late goal that secured the Champions Trophy for PSG against Monaco, he has begun 2026 with the same positive signs.
The match against Paris FC, which ended in a 2–1 win for PSG, offered Dembélé a real opportunity to properly kick-start a season that, until now, had lacked standout moments apart from a major award he received on 22 September. He made the most of that chance, producing a lively display and scoring in the 53rd minute of the second half to play a key role in his team’s victory.
The goal was his fifth of the 2025–26 season and only his third in Ligue 1, ending a long scoring drought in the competition that had lasted since August. From the opening minutes, it was clear that Dembélé was in strong physical condition. Whether operating on the right wing or drifting into central areas, he constantly put the opposition defence under pressure. Many of PSG’s attacking moves stemmed from his passing, movement, and creativity.
His performance fully satisfied Luis Enrique, who expressed his approval despite substituting him in the 70th minute. The coach stressed that this was Dembélé’s best display of the season and that carefully managing his minutes was necessary given the demanding fixture schedule.
Dembélé, now in a good place both mentally and physically, showed that the issues that disrupted the early months of his season, including various injuries and illness, are behind him. He has made just 15 appearances so far, a figure that explains his reduced impact compared to the first half of last season.
After the match, Désiré Doué also praised his teammate, highlighting Dembélé’s leadership and importance within the PSG squad.
Looking ahead, PSG face a busy January, with 6 matches to be played in 24 days. The schedule includes a high-profile clash with Olympique Marseille, an important Coupe de France tie, and two crucial Champions League fixtures against Sporting Portugal and Newcastle. With Dembélé returning to form ahead of this demanding run, PSG appear stronger and more unpredictable.