In this video
- Asked if he will use the PSG players after the Champions League final, Deschamps said in translation he is counting on them. After such a high they need to come down, then he needs them back up.
- Asked if Ousmane Dembélé should win the Ballon d'Or, Deschamps said in translation obviously yes, and if it were up to him it would be 100%. He imagines Spain's players would not say the same.
- Asked if missing three defenders weakens France, Deschamps said in translation he counts on those he has. Ideally he would have everyone, and against Spain's forwards it is not ideal.
- Asked how his captain compares with a year ago, Deschamps said in translation he has good football and physical potential. He thinks he is probably better than he was last year.
- Asked whether one player has yet to have a big game for France, Deschamps said in translation he does not know, and you can always want more. He called it a wonderful season, with room to improve.
- Asked about revenge for last year's semi-final, Deschamps said in translation he does not like revenge. Spain were superior in some areas, especially ball control, but he thinks it was close.
- Asked about Yamal being motivated by criticism last year, Deschamps said in translation negative experiences should serve as lessons. No team he has seen has found a solution to him, only slowed him down.
- Asked about his attack after four forwards against Croatia, Deschamps said in translation his captain will play centrally, but this is Spain, not Croatia. The aim is to make Spain's life difficult.
Didier Deschamps is backing Ousmane Dembélé to win the Ballon d’Or — even ahead of rising star Lamine Yamal.
Ahead of the Nations League semifinal vs Spain, the France coach said Dembélé’s maturity and match-winning performances for both PSG and Les Bleus make him the standout player of the season.
Deschamps compared Dembélé’s impact to Spain’s 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal, praising both but emphasizing that experience and timing matter in elite football.
He addressed France’s injury crisis, with three defenders missing, but expressed full confidence in the squad’s ability to handle Spain’s attacking threats.
On Mbappé, Deschamps said the Real Madrid striker is now in top mental and physical condition, and ready to lead again after overcoming recent injuries.
Dembélé’s rise in big moments hasn’t gone unnoticed by the coach, who credited his evolution into a true difference-maker.
Deschamps reflected on France’s last meeting with Spain, admitting Spain’s ball control edged that match, but reminded everyone that France nearly won it.
He avoided the revenge narrative and focused instead on defensive discipline and attacking precision, stressing that balance is key against a side like Spain.
The coach also praised the incredible French fan support, saying it fuels the squad’s motivation heading into this high-stakes semifinal.
What Happened Next
Deschamps’ call proved right: Ousmane Dembélé won the 2025 Ballon d’Or on September 22, 2025.
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