On September 22, 2025 in Paris, Ousmane Dembélé became the world’s best male footballer and Aitana Bonmatí was named the female footballer. As the winners of the Ballon d’Or, you naturally get a good card in your hand on the day it is to be negotiated as a salary, but as it looks now, the French superstar may have overplayed his hand.
Ousmane Dembélés is clearly important to his club Paris Saint-Germain, which is reflected in the offer that has already been made, but his response immediately ensured a halt in the contract extension negotiations.
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Paris Saint-Germain won the Champions League for the first time last year and Ousmane Dembélé, who has also brought home a World Cup trophy with France and a number of La Liga trophies with Barcelona, should have much of the credit, but not all!. After Luis Enrique took over as manager of PSG, they are a completely different and more collective team, not as dependent on single stars as before.
Ousmane Dembélé faces one of the most delicate moments of his time at Paris Saint-Germain. After finishing last season on a high, his contractual future has become a top priority at the club.
The French winger was crucial in a historic season. PSG conquered every possible title and finally lifted the Champions League trophy, with Dembélé as the undisputed offensive leader.
Ousmane Dembélé, a key piece in Luis Enrique’s project
The efforts of Ousmane Dembélé under Luis Enrique’s guidance have been outstanding. His numbers speak for themselves, and his influence in the big games was decisive. Ballon d’Or, The Best and Champions League MVP titles reinforced his status as an absolute star in Ligue 1 and in Europe.
For that reason, Paris Saint-Germain wanted to ensure his long-term presence.
Economic distance in the negotiations
‘Foot Mercato’ reports that at the end of last year, the club made an initial offer of a contract extension. The offer was around 30 million euros per season. However, Ousmane Dembélé rejected this first approach. The reason is purely financial: the player aims to double that amount.
The positions are far apart. The current contract, which runs until 2028, works in the player’s and his camp’s favor.
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Paris Saint-Germain remains calm. They know that their star has a long contract, and there is no immediate rush. However, the club is aware that they will have to make an effort if they want to keep the world’s best player.
The negotiations promise to be long and complex, with Luis Enrique aware of any developments that could upset the balance of the squad.
Athletic response after physical setbacks
The season has not been perfect. Ousmane Dembélé suffered from two injuries that disrupted his continuity during the fall. Nevertheless, his start to 2026 has been strong. He scored in the Paris derby and was decisive in the French Super Cup.
The striker has regained a sense of importance and competitiveness, which strengthens his position in the negotiations. The outcome is still a long way off. Meanwhile, Ousmane Dembélé continues to make a difference in Ligue 1, knowing that his performances are the best bet to achieve the contract he wants with Paris Saint-Germain.
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