Ousmane Dembele’s Story is Deeply Connected to Africa
While Ousmane Dembele represents France, the footballer’s heritage is firmly rooted in West Africa. The Ballon d’Or winner’s background is a testament to the continent’s influence on global sports: his father is Malian, and his mother, Fatimata, is of Mauritanian-Senegalese descent.
Dembele’s connection to Africa was highlighted during his Ballon d’Or speech when he emotionally thanked his mother, who later stated the family plans to take the trophy to different parts of the continent to celebrate. The PSG star’s family roots trace back to the Mauritanian village of Waly Diantang. Dembele has also been a visible supporter of his faith, reportedly donating his 2018 World Cup earnings toward the construction of a mosque in his mother’s hometown.
