Ousmane Dembélé moved past transfer rumors to deliver a vital double for Paris Saint-Germain during their 3-0 victory against Lille, catapulting the team back to the top of Ligue 1 on Friday.
Recent reports in French media indicated that the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner had declined a new contract proposal.
Coach Luis Enrique dismissed the rumors as fake news, and Dembélé showcased unwavering focus during this clash between two of the league’s top teams.
He opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a powerful shot from over 20 meters that left Lille’s goalkeeper with no chance, and his second goal, 18 minutes into the second half, highlighted why he earned that Ballon d’Or award.
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In a remarkable moment, Dembélé evaded four defenders to chip a daring shot over the reach of goalkeeper Berke Özer, finding the back of the net just beneath the crossbar.
This marked the France forward’s fourth goal in his last five matches with PSG, coming after he had gone eight games without scoring.
Substitute Bradley Barcola, who is also facing speculation regarding his future, completed the scoring in injury time by capitalizing on defensive errors to net the third goal.
This victory provided some relief for the reigning champions shortly after they were eliminated from the Coupe de France by city rivals Paris FC.
With this win, PSG reclaimed their position at the top of the league table, holding a two-point lead over Lens, who have a game in hand on Saturday against second-bottom Auxerre.
Lille remains in fourth place, trailing by ten points.
Report contributed by The Associated Press.