Former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Blaise Matuidi said Ousmane Dembélé is the best player in the world during a recent interview with beIN Sports.

As a World Cup winner and a cornerstone of PSG's midfield for several years, Matuidi's perspective on current talent carries weight among football analysts and fans. His assessment of Dembélé highlights the shift in influence toward dynamic wingers in the modern game.

In the "Ping Pong" interview format, Matuidi answered a series of quick-fire questions regarding his professional journey. He shared his favorite memories from his time on the pitch and identified a teammate he believes was underrated during his tenure [1].

While the interview focused on reflections, Matuidi's career has remained a subject of reporting. Some reports indicated a deal worth £18.2 million [2] for a move to Juventus, though other accounts suggested that then-PSG coach Unai Emery wanted the player to remain with the club [3].

Matuidi's history with PSG includes periods of high tension and success. In a separate assessment of the club's challenges, it was noted that PSG once suffered a 2-0 loss to Toulouse [3]. This context underscores the volatility Matuidi navigated during his time in Ligue 1.

Throughout the beIN Sports segment, the French international focused on the joy of the game and the evolution of skill sets in the current generation. By selecting Dembélé, Matuidi pointed to a player known for versatility, and technical ability over traditional midfield dominance.

“Blaise Matuidi named Ousmane Dembélé as the best player in the world.”

Matuidi's endorsement of Ousmane Dembélé reflects a broader trend in football where individual technical brilliance and unpredictability are increasingly valued over the tactical rigidity of previous eras. Furthermore, the conflicting reports regarding his transfer value and club status illustrate the often-opaque nature of high-value football negotiations between European giants like PSG and Juventus.