Ousmane Dembélé’s Rise to Football Glory Fueled by Private Marriage and Family Life with Rima Edbouche
PARIS – Ousmane Dembélé’s ascent to winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or was quietly underpinned by a personal change sparked by his marriage to Rima Edbouche and the subsequent birth of their daughter, a relationship largely concealed from public view until recently. While Dembélé’s talent on the field was always evident, a period of difficulty at Barcelona coincided with the development of a private life that ultimately proved pivotal to his success.
The details surrounding dembélé and Edbouche’s relationship remained shrouded in mystery for years. In December 2021, the couple surprised the world with the announcement of their marriage, a traditional Islamic ceremony held in Morocco. Images from the wedding circulated rapidly online, marking the first time Edbouche’s face was publicly revealed, instantly turning her into a figure of intrigue.
The arrival of their daughter in Barcelona on September 16, 2022, ushered in a new chapter for Dembélé, both personally and professionally. Observers noted a marked change in the player’s demeanor, describing him as more balanced and disciplined on the field. Fans sensed a renewed focus,contributing to a revitalized performance.
The family’s move to Paris saw Dembélé become a leader for PSG, culminating in a Champions League victory. However, the joy was tempered by a defeat in the Club World Championship final against Chelsea in July 2025, a loss that prompted Edbouche to temporarily deactivate her Instagram account, according to reports from Pulse Sports.
Despite the high-profile nature of Dembélé’s career achievements, including being awarded the Ballon d’Or in September 2025, Edbouche remained largely absent from public events. During his acceptance speech, Dembélé specifically acknowledged the unwavering support of his family, stating, “I would like to thank my mother too. You were always here for me, Mom, here, next to me. We and my family went through a lot of things,but we always keep together.”
Notably, Edbouche did not attend the Golden Ball Gala in Paris, a decision consistent with her preference for a private lifestyle, supporting her husband without seeking the spotlight or extensive media coverage.
