Meet Ousmane Dembélé’s parents, Ousmane Snr & Fatima

Ousmane Dembélé credits his successful football career to the love and support of his parents. “Everything I am and everything I have achieved is thanks to my mother and father,” Dembélé said in a recent interview. But who exactly are the parents who raised this French football star? This article will explore the background and influences of Ousmane Dembélé’s father, Ousmane Snr, and his mother, Fatima.

Where are Ousmane Dembélé’s parents from?

Ousmane Dembélé’s father (Ousmane Snr) was born in Mauritania, located in West Africa. He worked multiple jobs, including picking vegetables, welding, and driving trucks.

Meanwhile, Fatima Dembélé, Ousmane’s mother, grew up in Mali, also located in West Africa. As young adults, Fatima and Ousmane Snr met and started a family together.

So while famed footballer Ousmane Dembélé grew up and launched his career in France, his ethnic background traces back to Mauritania and Mali through his parents.

Ousmane Dembélé’s Parents’ Nationality

Given their country of origin, Ousmane Snr and Fatima’s nationality is Mauritanian and Malian respectively. However, after immigrating to France, they likely have dual citizenship status.

As for their famous son, Ousmane Dembélé’s nationality is French, though his ethnic heritage is still important to him.

Ousmane Snr – Dembélé’s Biggest Supporter

According to Ousmane himself, his father Ousmane Snr recognized his exceptional soccer skills early on. When Dembélé was just 5 years old, his father went to great lengths to enroll him in a youth soccer club.

The family made tremendous sacrifices so Ousmane could attend an elite French soccer academy in Vernon and later the Stade Rennais academy in Rennes. This included moving the whole family to France to support Dembélé’s training.

Ousmane Snr maintained sky-high expectations, enforcing a strict training regimen focused on fundamentals. “My father was my first coach, and the most demanding one,” Dembélé remarked.

“My father never let me rest – as soon as I made the smallest error, I had to start over from zero,” said Dembélé.

Clearly, Ousmane Snr’s unrelenting dedication and individual coaching laid the foundation for his son’s brilliant career.

Fatima Dembélé – The Loving Mother

While Ousmane Snr covered the soccer training, Fatima Dembélé handled the day-to-day care for Ousmane and his siblings. Despite working long hours, Fatima still cooked homemade meals to bring to Ousmane’s practices.

She also emphasized education alongside soccer. Though Ousmane dreamed only of being a professional player, Fatima pushed him to take school seriously as well.

“My mother Fatima was always behind me. Even when I moved to Rennes as a kid to join the academy, she would send me home-cooked meals,” said Dembélé.

The encouragement and care from his mother nurtured Dembélé emotionally while his father pushed the soccer skills – both essential ingredients.

The Dembélé Family’s Influence on Ousmane

Ultimately, growing up in a modest working-class immigrant family kept Ousmane Dembélé grounded and humble, despite rapidly rising fame and fortune.

His parents’ emphasis on education and world affairs also molded hisbroader perspectives off the pitch.  And the tight-knit household provided a strong family support network.

So while Dembélé’s speed and ball-handling skills certainly drive his success on the field, influences from Ousmane Snr and Fatima played a subsurface yet sizable role.

Where Are Ousmane’s Parents Today?

Ousmane Snr and Fatima still attend their son’s high-profile football matches on occasion. While busy running their community charities back home, they continue advising Ousmane on football and life matters alike. They are always a phone call away, reminding him of his roots.

So next time you watch Ousmane Dembélé zip upfield for Barcelona or the French National Team, remember the Mauritanian and Malian parents who made it possible!

FAQ’s

Who are Dembélé parents?

Dembélé’s parents are Ousmane Dembélé Snr originally from Mauritania, and Fatima Dembélé who is from Mali. They met as young adults in France after immigrating.

What is Othman Dembélé’s religion?

Ousmane Dembélé is Muslim. Both Mauritania and Mali have over 90% Muslim populations, so it is highly likely his parents raised him with Islamic faith.

What is Dembélé height?

Ousmane Dembélé is 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m) tall. His relatively slight build allows him to be quick and agile on the pitch.

What position did Dembélé play at Dortmund?

At Borussia Dortmund, Ousmane Dembélé played as a winger, specifically on the right wing. With his dribbling skills and speed, he flourished as a right winger for Dortmund before transferring to Barcelona.