UEFA has stirred up quite the reaction by naming Ousmane Dembele as Player of the Match in Wednesday’s Super Cup final, leaving many fans perplexed—almost like witnessing a VAR decision awarding a penalty for a handshake.
Match Recap: PSG’s Dramatic Comeback
Paris Saint-Germain triumphed over Tottenham in a thrilling penalty shootout after pulling off a stunning comeback from two goals down in Udine. Spurs seemed to have the upper hand with goals from Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, which gave them a comfortable lead at the half.
However, PSG showcased their resilience, with Kang-in Lee and Goncalo Ramos each finding the back of the net to level the score. The match ultimately went to penalties, where PSG emerged victorious, winning 4-3.
The Dembele Debate
The biggest talking point emerged after the final whistle: Dembele’s receipt of UEFA’s Player of the Match award. Many fans felt his performance was underwhelming, leading to a flurry of social media reactions. One supporter commented, “Dembele ghosted the entire match only to steal an assist and win MOTM. UEFA is a joke.” Another quipped, “UEFA is doing their best for Dembele to win the Ballon d’Or.”
Despite the criticism, it’s worth noting that Dembele delivered a key cross in the 94th minute, setting up Ramos’s equalizer against goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, which led to the penalty shootout.
A Gesture of Respect
In a display of sportsmanship, Dembele passed his Player of the Match trophy to goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier after the shootout. Chevalier, who has stepped in for Gianluigi Donnarumma, made a crucial save during the shootout, denying Van de Ven and securing victory for PSG.
Dembele explained his gesture to UEFA.com: “Magnificent. It’s a dream debut for him. First game, first trophy, a penalty shoot-out where he was required to make the difference. I’m happy for him, for making him feel like one of the Paris family.”
Looking Ahead: Ballon d’Or Implications
Ousmane Dembele has been on fire this season, recording 35 goals and 16 assists in 53 appearances across all competitions. His contributions were pivotal in PSG’s historic treble and their journey to the Club World Cup final.
With nine PSG players nominated for the upcoming Ballon d’Or on September 22, Dembele’s chances appear promising. However, given UEFA’s recent award decision, some fans are left wondering if the honors might go to unexpected recipients, like the team bus driver for parking expertly at the stadium.
This Super Cup final will undoubtedly be remembered for both the thrilling match and the controversies that followed. Fans are eager to see how this plays out in future accolades and whether Dembele can continue to shine on football’s biggest stages.