Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele was once spotted at Sunderland game, here’s why
Sunderland’s rise from League One attracted the interest of some of the greatest footballers around the world.
After Sunderland’s 1-1 draw with Aston Villa, the Black Cats are sitting pretty inside the top eight of the Premier League.
However, things haven’t always been as rosy, with the Mackems plying their trade in League One only a few seasons ago.
Their famous Netflix documentary was born there, just as their successful ownership under Kyril Louis-Dreyfus was introduced to Wearside.
Sunderland’s journey started there, and Ousmane Dembele was one of those who had an interest in how the Black Cats were progressing.
Ousmane Dembele was in attendance for Sunderland vs Sheffield United in 2023
On Monday, 22 September, Dembele was awarded the Ballon d’Or after a remarkable year with PSG, and he has a direct affiliation with Sunderland.
It was heavily covered at the time, but back in 2023, the Frenchman was spotted at the Stadium of Light for the Black Cats’ clash against the Blades, and no, he wasn’t ready to sign.
Instead, he was there as a result of his relationship with Louis-Dreyfus, who is believed to be good friends with due to the latter’s connection with French football.
The Sunderland owner has a wide social circle, including some of the most well-known footballers in the world, and has shared pictures of himself and Dembele on holiday in the past.
Dembele actually once did a Football Manager save where he was in control of Sunderland, showcasing his appreication for the way the club have progressed since Louis-Dreyfus took over.
What Ousmane Dembele said about Sunderland in the past
Dembele’s strange Sunderland connection goes far beyond one individual sighting at a game, with the Frenchman having previously admitted that he watched the Black Cats in action whenever the chance presented itself.
Via Le Parisien in 2024, the PSG forward said: “I watch practically all the championships: France, Spain, Italy, England, Germany.
“Even the English D2, especially Sunderland, because I know the owner, Kyril Louis-Dreyfus.
“There are days I watch the English championship at 1 pm, and at 9 pm I switch to Spain.”
When Sunderland won promotion from League One, the Ballon d’Or winner sent his congratulations to Louis-Dreyfus via his Instagram account.
Dembele to Sunderland in the future? Who knows…
Sign up for the Mackem News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Sunderland AFC news sent straight to your phone.