Dembélé: I Don't Care About Criticism, But I Don't Feel Invincible

Ousmane Dembélé, last year's Ballon d'Or winner, has declared he "doesn't care" about critics who believe his individual trophy was undeserved. He made these comments in an interview with France Football magazine.

“I don't care about the criticism; it's part of the game. There will always be criticism in football, especially if you win the Ballon d'Or. You've won the biggest individual trophy, and everyone scrutinizes you. It doesn't bother me; if anything, it makes me laugh. You have to perform consistently well. I was at my best in the decisive moments, and that's clear. That carries weight and is the main criterion. With the physical issues at the start of the season, the coach managed to preserve me for the most important matches and moments,” stated the Paris Saint-Germain forward.

The French international also assured that he hasn't become arrogant after receiving football's most prestigious individual award. “You can't let your ego control you. That's something every player needs to work on, especially when you're a Ballon d'Or winner. You have to stay true to yourself because it can consume you. Sometimes you need to be firmly grounded. No matter what happens, I want to remain the same person. I don't want to forget where I come from or that my teammates helped me reach this level. Do I feel invincible? No, absolutely not,” Dembélé added.