Rennes paid tribute to Ousmane Dembele following his Ballon d’Or win, running full-page adverts and social media tributes. The PSG forward’s first professional club proudly celebrated their role in shaping the star who led Paris Saint-Germain to a historic treble.
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RENNES TRIBUTE TO DEMBELE
Dembele’s boyhood club celebrated his success with a major PR campaign, including a full-page advert in L’Equipe hailing him as “the pride of our team.”
The 28-year-old guided PSG to their first-ever Champions League title and a historic treble, contributing 35 goals and 16 assists.
FROM ROAZHON PARK TO GLOBAL STARDOM
Rennes first scouted Dembele at age eight and nurtured him in their academy from 13. Recruitment director Philippe Barraud reflected:
“Given his qualities, his natural, exceptional technical abilities, Ousmane had a unique profile. With such a love for football, it’s a great reward. Few clubs can say today that they have the capacity to train a Ballon d’Or winner.”
DEMEBLE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
During his acceptance speech at the Theatre du Chatelet, Dembele thanked his formative clubs:
“I also thank all the clubs I’ve played for, Borussia Dortmund, Rennes, FC Barcelona, where I dreamed of playing and where I played with great players like Iniesta and Lionel Messi,” he said. “The Ballon d’Or wasn’t a goal in my career, but it’s exceptional. I worked for the team to win the Champions League. To be thanked with a trophy like the Ballon d’Or is exceptional, so I’m happy tonight.”
LOOKING AHEAD
Dembele remains sidelined with a hamstring injury but aims to return strongly for PSG after their treble-winning campaign.
Stade Rennais plans to further immortalise their most famous graduate, having already honoured him at Roazhon Park and named a training ground after him earlier this year.
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FAQs: Ousmane Dembele Ballon d’Or
How did Rennes honour Ousmane Dembele?
Rennes ran full-page adverts in L’Equipe, shared tributes on social media, and previously named a training ground after him.
What achievements led to Dembele’s Ballon d’Or win?
He led PSG to a historic treble, including their first Champions League title, with 35 goals and 16 assists.
What did Dembele say in his Ballon d’Or acceptance speech?
He thanked all the clubs he played for, including Rennes, Borussia Dortmund, and Barcelona, and highlighted that winning the Ballon d’Or was exceptional but not his personal career goal.
Is Dembele currently playing for PSG?
He is sidelined with a hamstring injury but aims to return after PSG’s treble-winning campaign.