Toni Kroos praises Ousmane Dembele’s humility after PSG star accepted early substitution
Once again qualified for the Champions League final, PSG was again able to count on an invaluable Ousmane Dembele for his leadership.
On May 30, PSG will be able to defend its European title. One year after its Champions League victory, the capital club returns to the competition’s final, where it will face Arsenal in Budapest. And, as last season, the Parisian group once again displayed impeccable team spirit.
In this group led by Luis Enrique, one man has changed in stature for more than a year: Ousmane Dembele. The 2025 Ballon d’Or winner is confirming his excellent 2024-2025 season by again being decisive in knockout matches.
Beyond his goals, the French international also stands out for his leadership and mentality. Multiple Champions League winner (in 2013 with Bayern Munich and in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, and 2024 with Real Madrid), Toni Kroos spoke about the mindset of the No. 10 of the Red & Blue on his podcast.
“When Luis Enrique took out his best player, in the 65th minute (against Bayern Munich), no one complained. That shows the respect the players have for their coach,” he said, as reported by L’Équipe.
“He left the field, shook his coach’s hand, then sat on the bench encouraging his teammates. That is not always the case. You watch Dembele, from the bench, shouting at his teammates to keep fighting. 90% of players who think they are stars would not do that: they start by making bad gestures on the field, then go sulk on the bench.”
Ousmane Dembele will have the opportunity to continue writing his legend on May 30.
