The present-day brilliance of Ousmane Dembélé, freshly crowned with the 2025 Ballon d’Or, inevitably brings back memories of Xavi Hernández’s words during his tenure as Barcelona manager. While Hansi Flick’s Barça is now thriving with silverware such as LaLiga, the Supercopa, and the Copa del Rey, Xavi’s legacy remains evident in several players he trusted—and especially in his unwavering belief in the French winger at a time when few shared it.

What Did Xavi Say About Dembélé?

From the moment he took charge in November 2021, Xavi made his admiration clear. In his very first press conference, he insisted the club must secure Dembélé’s future:

“For me, Dembélé can be the best in the world in his position. But we need to work with him, demand from him, and ensure continuity without injuries. His renewal is a priority.”

Throughout his time on the bench, the former captain repeatedly defended Dembélé:

“People don’t really know Ousmane. He’s an extraordinary guy, very passionate about football and highly intelligent. He has incredible qualities. Sometimes it’s a coin toss, but we’re now seeing his best version.”

How Did Xavi Influence His Game?

Under Xavi, Dembélé enjoyed one of his most consistent stretches at Barcelona. His pace, dribbling, and ability to unbalance defenders became vital to the system. Xavi also pushed him to improve in the final third, often remarking:

“Imagine when he starts scoring more goals and providing more assists.”

Although the Frenchman eventually departed for Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2023, Xavi’s faith was already paying dividends.

Why Do His Words Resonate Today?

Two years later, the prediction has been fully realized. At PSG, Dembélé reached new heights, becoming a decisive figure in their quadruple-winning campaign and now earning the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

Xavi Hernández had seen it all along. Though no longer on the Barça bench, his conviction about Dembélé’s extraordinary talent has proven to be one of the most accurate—and enduring—calls of his managerial era.