Ousmane Dembélé: Injuries That Tried To Fade HimInjuries That Nearly Ended Ousmane Dembélé’s Career began almost as soon as he arrived at Barcelona and have been a defining challenge throughout his journey. Known for his blistering pace, skill, and huge potential, Dembélé’s talent has often been overshadowed by repeated muscle injuries, especially to his hamstrings, that forced him off the pitch for long spells and disrupted his form and consistency.
These setbacks occurred at key moments in both his club and international career, threatening his development and frustrating fans and coaches alike. Over time, he has battled back, showing resilience but remaining injury-prone.
Hamstring Tear vs Getafe
Hamstring tear in the first Barcelona start against Getafe at Camp Nou, Spain in 2017. Dembélé tore his hamstring in his first La Liga start for Barcelona, ruling him out for around four months shortly after joining the club.
Muscle Injury vs Real Sociedad
Muscle injury against Real Sociedad at Barcelona, Spain, in January 2018. Just after returning to fitness, he suffered another muscle injury in a league match, sidelining him for several weeks. Ousmane Dembélé made an impressive return to form in the next tournament.
Hamstring Injury vs Athletic Bilbao
Hamstring injury against Athletic Bilbao at Barcelona, Spain, in August 2019. In the opening match of the La Liga season, Dembélé injured his left hamstring and missed around five weeks.
Thigh Injury vs Borussia Dortmund
Thigh injury against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League at Barcelona, Spain, in November 2019. During a group stage game, he suffered a thigh problem that kept him out for many weeks.
Season-Ending Hamstring Tear
Season‑ending hamstring tear during Barcelona training in Spain in February 2020. After returning from injury, he suffered a serious hamstring tear that ended his season.
Hamstring Injury at Euro 2020
Hamstring injury with France at Euro 2020 in Turku, Finland, in June 2021. He suffered a hamstring injury while playing for the French national team that required surgery. Ousmane Dembélé bounced back brilliantly, even though it was not easy.
Right Hamstring Injury vs Ukraine
Ousmane Dembélé’s right hamstring injury with France during a World Cup qualifier against Ukraine in Poland in September 2025. He picked up a right hamstring injury that sidelined him for about six weeks.
Ousmane Dembélé: Rising Again After Every Setback
Despite the long list of setbacks, Ousmane Dembélé has shown remarkable determination and resilience throughout his career. Ousmane Dembélé’s talent and skill have never truly diminished, even when injuries kept him off the pitch. Time and again, Ousmane Dembélé has worked hard to return stronger, proving that his potential is undeniable. Fans continue to admire Ousmane Dembélé not just for his speed and technique, but for his ability to bounce back from adversity. Ultimately, Ousmane Dembélé’s journey is a testament to perseverance and the enduring spirit of a world-class footballer.
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