Philippe, did you ever imagine Ousmane receiving the greatest individual award a footballer can achieve?
It wouldn’t be right to say it was unimaginable, given Ousmane’s qualities. Even as a youngster, he had extraordinary, natural technical skills. With his slight frame, he could be challenged by boys who were much more physically mature, but he always found something else—another move, another trick—to get through.
“They have such a love for football, it’s incredible.”
What must talent be combined with to reach the ultimate prize?
There are common traits among great talents. Kylian Mbappé, whom we saw as a young boy during a camp at SRFC, or Désiré Doué, have that little something extra. Players are often compared to one another, but with Ousmane we’re talking about a unique profile. These are boys with no limits. They are programmed to have none. They’ve set their goals a long time ago. They feed off the greatest collective and individual titles. Their love for football is simply incredible. Nothing stops them from moving forward. They’re just waiting for the right moment, the space we give them to express themselves.
n what way did you continue to follow his career?
You never really let go of the players. Even if you’re no longer with them, you always keep a caring eye on them—with love, I’d almost say. There were times when I’d watch some of his matches and could tell if he was doing well or not. When he was injured, sometimes just a few minutes before he was subbed off, I already sensed it. We know how the players we’ve trained function—through their body language, their little gestures—we know them by heart.
Beyond being the livewire everywhere he’s played, he’s also taken on the role of technical and locker-room leader at PSG. Is that also why he’s been rewarded?
That wasn’t obvious when he first arrived in Paris. At one point, he was criticized for not finishing all his chances. I think Luis Enrique’s game plan suits him, as do the teammates around him. As a man, he has also moved forward in life—he got married, he had a child, he’s gained more stability. At PSG, he may have found an environment that fits him better. And then, there’s a right time for everything. Talent alone isn’t enough. You also need to be surrounded by the right people, at the right moment. Last season, all the lights were green for him to feel confident and succeed.
“Very few clubs today can claim to have produced a Ballon d’Or winner.”
Were you amazed by his season?
Yes and no. We knew it was something he was capable of achieving. This full success could have come earlier, at Barcelona, which was frustrating. But those around him knew it would eventually happen. It’s happening now, and it’s been a fantastic year for him and for PSG.
Was this a title that the Rouge et Noir Academy, the best in France and one of the best in Europe, was missing?
It’s a wonderful reward for the club. You have to be aware of what a Ballon d’Or represents. We did what was necessary to support him. Very few clubs today can claim to have the ability to develop a Ballon d’Or winner. Désiré also has that potential. We feel we’ve created a solid foundation for him to shine on the world stage. It’s recognition of everything that has been put in place at the Academy over so many years. It’s what we must continue to do with all our young players—put everything in place to support both the player and the person.
