Normandy, a fertile breeding ground
It all begins in eastern Normandy, on the pitches of Évreux FC 27, where many gems of French football took their first shot and made their first dive. Brice Samba, Steve Mandanda, Dayot Upamecano, not to mention Claude Le Roy, Philippe Montanier, Mathieu Bodmer, and Rafik Guitane. And Ousmane, of course.
Évreux coach Romaric Bultel recalls: “Before even working with him, I would watch him do things I’ll never forget. It was as if he had two hands instead of feet. I had never seen—and still haven’t seen—a kid so talented and so technically gifted. The ball was his best friend, he always carried it around like a comfort blanket.”
The qualities of the young player from Vernon left a strong impression on Armand Djiré, a Stade Rennais scout, who spotted Ousmane’s talent when he was only 8 years old. At 13, he joined the Rouge et Noir academy. “Anyone can see a good player. The real challenge is knowing what we can put in place to ensure his full development and success. From the very first contact, we build a very special relationship with the boys. I’ve maintained an excellent relationship with Ousmane.”
The rise in Rouge et Noir
In 2010, Ousmane arrived in the Breton capital and lived up to the promise shown in Normandy. Called up to the French national youth teams, he dazzled from his very first matches in CFA 2. Quick and lively, he scored 13 goals while beginning to train with the first team. On October 1st, 2015, he signed his first professional contract and made his Ligue 1 debut that November, at the Raymond-Kopa stadium. It took him less than 40 minutes to find the net against Bordeaux before going on a scoring run.
Joris Gnagnon, a defender who came through the academy with him and shared those first professional steps, remembers: “Ousmane is an immense talent, but above all he’s a very serious player who always wants to win. Even when young, he was already taking responsibility. When he joined the senior squad, he wasn’t afraid to speak up, while still being close to the older players who naturally recognized his qualities.”
Player of the Month in March 2016, the winger was crowned Best Young Player of a league lit up by his raw talent. Elusive, agile, two-footed, capable of making the difference with a sudden change of direction or a burst of acceleration—he left defenders helpless. Neither Marseille, who he toyed with, nor Nantes, stunned by a memorable hat-trick, have forgotten his dazzling skill. After 29 professional matches, 12 goals, and 5 assists, he drew the attention of Europe’s elite.
Germany, to prove himself
Brilliant in Ligue 1, the forward joined Borussia Dortmund in May 2016. That August, he earned his first cap for France under Didier Deschamps against Italy, before taking the Bundesliga by storm. He stayed at BVB just one season, but it was enough to make his mark and lift the German Cup—scoring the opener in the final for the Black and Yellows after flooring Bayern in the semifinal.
Five seasons in Barcelona
After a short but explosive stint in the Ruhr, Ousmane moved to Barcelona, tasked with a heavy legacy: stepping into Neymar’s shoes after his departure to PSG. His time in Catalonia was marked by silverware, with 7 trophies including 3 La Liga titles. Most importantly, in 2018 he was part of the French squad that conquered the World Cup in Russia. Top assist provider in La Liga in 2022, he returned to France in 2023 by signing for PSG.
Paris, the new dimension
Under Luis Enrique, Ousmane continued to grow, and the 2024/25 season became his year of consecration. Ligue 1’s top scorer with 21 goals, he added a new weapon to his arsenal. Already a consistent finisher, he became lethal in front of goal. PSG’s Champions League triumph shifted the public’s perception: now seen as indispensable in the club’s hybrid system, he pressed relentlessly and shone with his offensive impact. The only scorer against Arsenal in the semifinal first leg, he delivered two assists in the final against Inter (5-0).
Winner as well of Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and the Trophée des Champions—thanks to his last-gasp winning goal—as well as a finalist in the Club World Cup, the French international capped off an XXL season, both individually and collectively. This monumental year was crowned on September 22nd, when he lifted the Ballon d’Or. Stade Rennais F.C. is proud to see an Academy graduate claim football’s ultimate individual honor. Congratulations, Ousmane.
