Veteran striker Olivier Giroud has shared his honest thoughts on the incredible rise of his former France teammate, Ousmane Dembele. While always aware of Dembele’s skills, Giroud admitted that he was initially surprised to see the PSG star reach a level where he could be considered for football’s most prestigious individual award, the Ballon d’Or.
Giroud’s comments highlight that reaching the top of world football requires more than just raw talent. A player’s journey is shaped by their club environment, team success, and hitting peak form at the right moment. Dembele’s successful season with PSG shows how all these elements can come together perfectly to elevate a player to superstar status.
🤔 An Honest Admission
Speaking about his time with Dembele on the French national team, Giroud was candid. “Did I see Ballon d’Or potential in him? It’s hard to say,” he explained. “When I saw him every day… no, I didn’t necessarily say to myself, ‘He’s a potential Ballon d’Or winner.’” This shows how even fellow professionals can be surprised by a player’s development over time.
🏆 The Recipe for Success
Giroud pointed out what it takes to win such a major award. He believes that while natural ability is essential, it’s not the only factor. “To win a Ballon d’Or, you need talent but also a good season that catapults you to the forefront,” Giroud noted. He emphasized the importance of being with the right club at the right time.
🙌 Talent and Teamwork Go Hand in Hand
Ultimately, Giroud praised Dembele’s journey, acknowledging that individual awards often depend heavily on the team’s achievements. “He has the talent, but he needed to have the right season, with the right club, and win everything like he did,” he concluded. His comments serve as a reminder that football is a team sport, where collective success helps individual stars shine brightest.
