Eden Hazard once explained why France superstar Ousmane Dembélé developed into the player his talent suggested he could become.
Speaking on Canal+'s Canal Football Club, the former Chelsea and Real Madrid winger praised Dembélé's ability and the discipline behind his development at Paris Saint-Germain.
"We all know Ousmane has incredible talent, we've known it for about ten years," Hazard said, "Now we're really seeing it."
Hazard pointed to maturity, rather than raw ability, as the biggest change in Dembélé's game. “Hard work pays off; that's the proof,” he said, crediting the forward's progress to sustained effort rather than a sudden change in his natural ability.
Dembele has evolved into one of the best attacking talents in the world. He has shaken off injury problems to fire PSG to two Champions League trophies in consecutive seasons.
Hazard Claimed Luis Enrique Key For Dembele
Hazard also credited Luis Enrique's man-management directly. "He has a coach who helps him a lot, who knows how to manage him," Hazard said. "This is the kind of football we want to see."
Enrique has been in charge at PSG throughout Dembele's spell at the Parc des Princes and the Spaniard has got the Frenchman playing at the peak of his powers. Under the former Barcelona boss, he has registered 63 goals and 46 assists in 142 games as of September 23rd.
How Dembélé's Recent Form Backs Up The Praise
Hazard's comments came after a season in which Dembélé won the 2025 Ballon d'Or, the first of his career. The award recognised his performances during the 2024-25 campaign.
The now-retired tricky winger's comments linked that form to the forward's gradual development over several years. The Belgian's own career at Chelsea and Real Madrid gives him experience of the work required to maintain a high level over several years.
His comments suggest that Dembélé's progress has come through coaching, hard work, and patience, not just from one sudden breakthrough. That view also reflects how PSG and Luis Enrique have discussed Dembélé's development and role in the team.
