Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele’s Ballon d’Or title has taken his former Borussia Dortmund coach Peter Bosz by surprise, with the Dutchman recalling the player’s struggles with discipline despite his exceptional talent.

Dembele secured the 2025 award after spearheading PSG’s historic quadruple, finishing over 300 points ahead of Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal.

His tally of 35 goals, 14 assists, and a first-ever Champions League title for PSG sealed his place as the world’s best player.

Bosz recalls disorganised youngster

In an interview with Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, Bosz described Dembele as one of the most gifted players he had ever worked with but highlighted issues that once threatened his career.

“Privately, he was very disorganised. He was often late,” Bosz said. “What he could do with the ball was truly sensational. I honestly didn’t know if he was left- or right-footed. His dribbling was unparalleled.”

Struggles at Barcelona

Dembele’s six-year stint at Barcelona, following a record-breaking transfer, was plagued by persistent injuries and inconsistency.

He registered 40 goals and 41 assists in 185 appearances but rarely delivered at the expected level.

Bosz revealed that teammates had to step in to help him with discipline.
“He was a gentle boy who lacked structure,” Bosz noted. “Teammates had to help him with an alarm clock and a chef so he would avoid McDonald’s and pizza and eat properly.”

Transformation at PSG

Bosz credits Dembele’s turnaround to his time in Paris, where maturity and improved work rate transformed him into a complete forward.

“If you look at the Champions League final against Inter, the way he pressed… If you had asked me in Dortmund if he would ever do that, I would have said no. But he did,” Bosz said.

Now at the peak of his career, Dembele faces the challenge of maintaining consistency as PSG prepare to face Barcelona in the Champions League this week.