Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé took center stage at Roland Garros on Thursday as he led the draw ceremony for the 2025 French Open, days before the Grand Slam kicks off in the French capital. His appearance comes at a pivotal moment for PSG, who are preparing for two major finals — the UEFA Champions League and the French Cup — with a historic double within reach.
As the clay courts of Roland Garros prepare to welcome tennis champions like Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek, Dembélé’s involvement in the opening ceremony offered a symbolic connection between France’s elite football and tennis worlds.
“These Are Childhood Dreams” – Dembélé
Speaking to journalists at the event, Dembélé expressed his excitement about being part of the French Open festivities and reflected on the significance of the days ahead for both himself and his club.
“These are childhood dreams,” the French international said with a smile. “Being here at Roland Garros, and at the same time preparing for two of the biggest finals in my career — it’s surreal and very special.”
“I feel a lot of excitement, especially among supporters,” Dembélé continued. “We’re preparing calmly, with determination, because we know we can make history with PSG.”
PSG Ready for Inter Milan Showdown in Munich
Paris Saint-Germain are now just one game away from claiming only the second UEFA Champions League title in their history. The final, scheduled to take place in Munich, will see PSG face off against Inter Milan — a heavyweight clash and the first-ever meeting between these two clubs in a Champions League final.
After a campaign defined by tactical discipline and standout performances from key players like Gonçalo Ramos, Vitinha, Achraf Hakimi, and Dembélé himself, the Parisians are determined to seize this opportunity.
“We’ve grown as a team,” said Dembélé. “Losing a player like Kylian [Mbappé] was a big moment, but we’ve evolved and come together as a squad. Everyone stepped up, and now we’re 90 minutes away from greatness.”
Head coach Luis Enrique has been praised for reshaping the team following Mbappé’s high-profile departure in mid-2024. The Spaniard’s tactical restructuring and emphasis on teamwork have proven pivotal in PSG’s deep run in Europe this season.
French Cup Final Awaits Against Lyon
Before their trip to Germany, PSG will first face Olympique Lyonnais in the French Cup Final, a showdown set for the Stade Pierre-Mauroy. The opportunity to win a domestic trophy before the European final offers PSG a chance to build momentum and boost morale.
The match against Lyon won’t be an easy one. The Ligue 1 side has enjoyed a strong cup run this season, knocking out several top-tier teams along the way. But PSG remains focused on finishing the season with silverware on multiple fronts.
“Winning the French Cup means a lot to us, especially for our fans,” said Dembélé. “It’s a special tournament, and it’s part of the club’s legacy. We’re locked in.”
Roland Garros to Open with Star Power
Meanwhile, at Roland Garros, tennis fans are gearing up for another memorable fortnight of action. Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning men’s singles champion, is set to defend his title and continue his dominance on clay. On the women’s side, world No. 1 Iga Swiatek returns as the clear favorite, aiming to add another French Open trophy to her growing list of achievements.
Dembélé’s participation in the draw reflects a broader cultural moment, as French sport unites under the banner of excellence in a summer packed with world-class competition.
“We’re entering a golden moment for French sports,” said Roland Garros Tournament Director Amélie Mauresmo. “To have someone like Ousmane Dembélé help us kick off the French Open shows the unity between our athletes. It’s a celebration of everything France is achieving on the global stage.”
A New Chapter for PSG
With Mbappé’s departure to Real Madrid now firmly in the past, PSG have turned the page and found new leadership among the squad’s remaining talents. Players like Warren Zaïre-Emery, Bradley Barcola, and Dembélé have embraced bigger roles, helping the club maintain its domestic dominance while pushing for continental glory.
Dembélé, who joined PSG from Barcelona in 2023, has emerged as a key figure under Luis Enrique’s regime. Known for his dribbling, pace, and tactical flexibility, the Frenchman has been instrumental in PSG’s offensive build-up and is expected to play a crucial role in both finals.
A Nation Watching
As Paris becomes the epicenter of both football and tennis in the coming days, French fans will be watching closely. With the French Open opening on Sunday, and PSG set to compete in two historic finals, excitement is building across the country.
For Dembélé, who now finds himself at the heart of these two monumental events, the goal is clear: finish the season strong, lift silverware, and inspire millions across France.
“We’re ready,” he said. “The energy is good, the preparation is right, and now it’s about stepping up. These are the moments you live for as a professional.”
