As a child, Ousmane Dembele was a lively and extroverted boy who was obsessed with football, preferring to play the game over studying. At the age of 6, he made a significant decision to travel with his mother, Fatimata Dembele, from their hometown of Vernon in Northern France to Rennes in North-East France. They went to visit his uncle, Sambagué, who was a footballer and a role model for young Ousmane. There, Dembele received guidance from his uncle and formally started his youth career at the Madeleine Évreux football club in 2004.
Fatimata played a crucial role in Ousmane’s career, making important decisions about his future and handling his negotiations and contract agreements. By 2017, he had become one of the most sought-after footballers in the world, attracting the attention of major clubs. On August 25, 2017, FC Barcelona announced they had reached an agreement to sign Dembele. Since then, the French football star has continued to excel in his career without looking back.
We present the Full Story of a French Football Genius best known by the Nickname; ‘Wonder Kid.’
Our version of Ousmane Dembele’s Childhood Story, including his Untold Biography, brings you a full account of notable events from his boyhood days to when he got famous.
The analysis of the Speedy French Footballer involves his life story before fame, his family life, and many little-known facts about him.
Yes, everyone knows about his playmaking abilities, but not many fans have read our version of Ousmane Dembele’s Biography, which involves learning more about his parents, brother, sister, lifestyle, etc.
His life outside the pitch is quite interesting. Now, without further ado, let us begin.
Ousmane Dembele Childhood Story – Early Life and Family Background:
For Biography starters, Ousmane Dembele was born on the 15th day of May 1997 in Vernon, Northern France, to Ousmane Snr (father) and Fatimata Dembele (Mother).
Both of Dembele’s parents migrated from Mauritania (West Africa) to France in search of a better life.
As a child, Ousmane was an extrovert who became obsessed with football and would only think of playing it instead of studying.
In fact, he was the only member of his family who refused education. Having noticed his talent and prospects, his parents allowed Ousmane to carry on with his dreams.
Just as Ousmane Dembele’s brother and sister would advance their education, he himself felt he needed a broad push in his career.
At age 6, he made a big decision to travel with his mum, all the way from his birthplace, Vernon (Northern France), to Rennes (North-East France) to meet his uncle Sambagué who happens to be a footballer and a model to him.
There, he received lessons from him and got a formal start to his youth career at the Madeleine Évreux football club in 2004.
His mum (Fatimata Dembele) was influential in guiding him into his distinguished career.
Ousmane Dembele Family Life:
Much is not known about his father because of his shyness from the media. He only showed himself when his son signed for Borussia Dortmund. (photo below).
Just like Paul Pogba, the life of Ousmane Dembele is centred around his mother, Fatimata Dembele, who is regarded as having the greatest influence on her son’s career.
Clubs who were serious about taking him away from Rennes all went through his mother, Fatimata.
According to The Guardian, “Fatimata is the one who decides Ousmane’s future, does his negotiation and contract agreements.”
She is assisted by Dembele’s agent, Badou Sambague who is a family member of the football genius. The one that gave him a career leap.
The photo below shows Ousmane Dembélé accompanied by his mother and agent, Fatimata, and assistant.
Ousmane Dembele Biography – Before Fame:
Before he became famous, Ousmane Dembele played for Madeline Evreux and Evreux’s youth teams before joining Rennes II in 2010. He was only 13 years old then.
He played for the club for five years before moving to their top division in the 2015/2016 season. While there, he became League 1 hottest property.
Ousmane was the youngest player to reach the 10-goal mark in the league, beating the likes of Thierry Henry and Anthony Martial.
On 12 May 2016, Dembele then signed a five-year contract with German club Borussia Dortmund. Here, he didn’t just become the best in the club. He became football’s hottest property.
Ousmane Dembele Bio – Issue with Dortmund:
Borussia Dortmund once reported FC Barcelona to UEFA for overstressing the need for their superstar, Ousmane Dembélé.
Ousmane Dembélé, upon hearing this, refused to train with them. He went awol and declared himself available. This was what led to a forced move to the club of his dreams.
Barcelona paid a lot of money for him. In the end, everyone was happy.
The Barcelona Dream:
He became the most coveted world footballer in 2017. This led to big names chasing him like sharks.
On August 25, 2017, FC Barcelona announced they had agreed to sign Dembélé for €105 million plus add-ons, pending a medical examination on August 28.
He will sign a five-year contract, and his buyout clause is set at €400 million. This deal resulted in him becoming the joint-second most expensive player (in euros), only second to former Barcelona player Neymar.
Rennes did received approximately €20 million from Borussia Dortmund following Dembele’s sale. This is a thank you money for Rennes for laying the foundation of the superstar. A job well done.
Ousmane Dembele Idol:
Both Seydou Keita and Frédéric Kanouté are local idols to Ousmane Dembele.
From a more professional point of view, he sticks to Radamel Falcao and Lionel Messi. His decision to choose Barcelona came from both his viewpoint of playing alongside Lionel Messi and honouring the club that gave Seydou Keita a career dream.
Ousmane Dembélé once showed his respect for Radamel Falcao by writing his name on his chest while having quality time at a beach. This shows his respect for him.
Ousmane Dembele Lifestyle:
His best friend at his time with Borussia Dortmund was Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Both drive the same car. Ousmane Dembele’s house and that of Auba also have the same pattern.
Before his big-money move, he had plans to develop his hairstyle to that of his best friend.
His lifestyle has changed a lot since his big-money move to the Spanish giant. At FC Barcelona, his best friend is Samuel Umtiti (centre-back for Spanish club FC Barcelona).
Appreciation Note:
Thank you for taking the time to read our version of Ousmane Dembele’s Biography. We care about accuracy and fairness in our quest to deliver you the stories of French Football players.
Aside from Ousmane Dembele’s bio, we have other related childhood biography stories for your reading pleasure. Surely, the Life History of Ruben Vargas and Michael Olise will interest you.