PSG Cruise Past Toulouse as Luis Enrique Labels Ousmane Dembélé a ‘Ballon d’Or’ Talent
Paris Saint-Germain secured a decisive 3-1 victory over Toulouse on Friday, April 3, 2026, highlighted by a standout performance from Ousmane Dembélé that prompted manager Luis Enrique to make a bold claim about the winger’s standing in world football.
The match at the Parc des Princes featured two moments of brilliance, with both Ousmane Dembélé and Gonçalo Ramos scoring stunning goals to seal the win. Following the match, Luis Enrique was effusive in his praise for Dembélé, stating, “Ousmane showed that he is the Ballon d’Or.” The manager specifically highlighted Dembélé’s high level of performance and his capacity to compete for the full 90 minutes.
While the victory appeared comfortable, Enrique acknowledged the difficulties of playing immediately following an international break. He described the fixture as a “trap” match and noted that Toulouse’s disciplined defending and a goal from a set piece made the contest more challenging than expected. However, the coach remained pleased with his squad’s versatility, specifically praising Beraldo for his adaptation to a new role as a defensive midfielder.
The win is critical for PSG as they continue to apply pressure on Lens in the Ligue 1 standings. Despite the overall success, the match was not without its concerns; goalkeeper Matveï Safonov struggled during the encounter. Addressing this, Enrique emphasized the importance of supporting players through mistakes, noting that errors are a natural part of the game for any position on the pitch.
Turning his attention to the forward line, Enrique also touched upon Gonçalo Ramos’s contribution, suggesting that the treatment of the striker has been “unfair.”
This domestic success comes at a pivotal moment as PSG prepares for a high-stakes Champions League clash. The team is now focusing on the first leg of their quarter-final tie against Liverpool, scheduled for Wednesday, April 8, 2026. While Enrique admitted the Toulouse match wasn’t the “ideal preparation” for such a massive European fixture, he believes it demonstrated the team’s character and ability to manage difficult games.
However, the public praise may not tell the whole story. Despite the symbolic heights of Dembélé’s current form and the coach’s outward admiration, reports have surfaced suggesting growing misunderstandings and tension behind the scenes between Luis Enrique and the winger, potentially fragilizing the balance within the Parisian camp.
