Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé has added a new line to his resume: actor. The 2025 Ballon d’Or winner recently starred in a promotional clip for the upcoming film “Peaky Blinders: L’Immortel,” a spin-off of the hugely popular British series. While Dembélé is accustomed to the spotlight, this venture takes him beyond the football pitch and into the world of Thomas Shelby and his family.
The clip, released on March 19, 2026, features Dembélé embodying the aesthetic of the indicate, sporting a costume complete with a suit, tie, gloves, and a leather cap. He’s seen exiting a manor house to the iconic sounds of “Red Right Hand,” the series’ signature tune. The promotional material is designed to generate buzz ahead of the film’s release on Netflix France on March 20, 2026.
“Shelbébé” Takes the Wheel
The scene continues with Dembélé entering a vintage car, where he’s addressed by his chauffeur. “On va où boss?” (“Where are we going, boss?”) Dembélé asks his colleague. The response is firm: “Tu sais très bien où on doit aller” (“You know exceptionally well where we need to travel”), delivered with the authority befitting a Ballon d’Or recipient. He adjusts his gloves and headwear, completing the seem.
Adding a playful touch, the car’s license plate reads “SH3LB3L3,” a clever combination of “Shelby” and “Dembélé,” affectionately dubbed “Shelbébé.” This branding reinforces the connection between the football star and the world of “Peaky Blinders.”
This isn’t Dembélé’s first brush with high-profile events; he’s recently experienced the red carpet at the Ballon d’Or ceremony. However, this foray into acting represents a different kind of exposure for the PSG player. Netflix is strategically leveraging Dembélé’s popularity to reach a wider audience, particularly within the football community, for the “Peaky Blinders” film.
The film marks Cillian Murphy’s return to the role of Tommy Shelby four years after the conclusion of the sixth season of the original series. The spin-off promises to continue the saga of the Shelby family, and Netflix is clearly aiming for a broad appeal with its promotional efforts. The use of a globally recognized footballer like Dembélé demonstrates a savvy understanding of cross-cultural marketing.
Dembélé’s participation highlights a growing trend of athletes appearing in promotional campaigns for entertainment properties. This strategy allows brands to tap into the athlete’s existing fanbase and create a unique connection with potential viewers. The clip has already generated significant attention on social media, with a post on Instagram gaining traction just hours before the film’s release. [Instagram Post](https://www.instagram.com/p/DWEzxiTDYBG/)
The success of “Peaky Blinders” has spawned a dedicated following, and the film is expected to be a major draw for Netflix subscribers. By enlisting a star like Dembélé, Netflix hopes to capitalize on that existing fanbase and attract new viewers. The campaign is a testament to the power of celebrity endorsements and the increasing convergence of sports and entertainment.
For Dembélé, this promotional appearance offers a chance to showcase a different side of his personality and broaden his appeal beyond the world of football. It’s a brief but memorable role that has already generated considerable buzz. While he may not be trading his boots for acting full-time, this experience demonstrates his willingness to embrace new challenges and connect with fans in innovative ways.
The film’s release on March 20th will be closely watched by both “Peaky Blinders” fans and football enthusiasts alike. The combination of a compelling storyline and a star-studded promotional campaign suggests that “Peaky Blinders: L’Immortel” is poised to be a major success for Netflix. And for Ousmane Dembélé, it’s a unique chapter in a career already filled with accolades.
Next up for Dembélé is a return to Ligue 1 action with Paris Saint-Germain. PSG will face Lyon on March 28, 2026, at the Groupama Stadium. Fans can follow updates on the PSG website and official social media channels.
