LANDOVER, MD – As they exchange greetings before stepping onto the pitch at Northwest Stadium this Sunday for the international friendly between Colombia and France, memories are sure to resurface. Ten years ago, during the 2015-2016 season, Ousmane Dembélé, now 28 and Juan Fernando Quintero, 33, were teammates at Stade Rennais. Whereas their career paths have since diverged, the Colombian, currently playing for River Plate, hasn’t forgotten the extraordinary player he knew before the world took notice.
Back then, Dembélé was a promising talent, identified as one of the most exciting prospects of his generation. He hadn’t yet broken through professionally. The established star power resided with Quintero, who arrived on loan from FC Porto with high expectations, though his time in Brittany proved challenging (14 matches, 1 goal) and ultimately cut short.
Dembélé, meanwhile, was already beginning to capture attention, just before his move to Borussia Dortmund, the first step in a meteoric rise. The contrast in their trajectories at the time is a key element of this story, highlighting Dembélé’s almost immediate and undeniable impact even as a young player.
“Watch out, this kid is a crack”
In a recent interview on his YouTube channel JF10TV, Quintero recounted their first encounter weeks ago, sharing an anecdote that illuminates Dembélé’s potential even before his global recognition as the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner. “I arrived at Rennes on the last day of the transfer window and, about two weeks later, we were called to a meeting. A skinny kid walks in and greets me. Pedro Henrique tells me: ‘Watch out, this kid is a crack…’ I wonder who this is…”
The coach at the time, Philippe Montanier, clarified the situation: “You don’t know who he is, he’s been absent for two weeks. Guys, this is Ousmane Dembélé. He’s going to apologize, listen to him.” What followed became a legendary moment in the Rennes dressing room. Frustrated with his coach and contemplating a departure, the young Dembélé stepped forward and stated bluntly: “I apologize to you for my absence, but not to the coach because I wanted to leave. I’ve already extended my contract, but I know that in a year, I’ll be leaving. I have a clause until June 20th, so before that date, I’m gone.”
Quintero, who didn’t achieve the same level of success in Europe as Dembélé, remembers being impressed. “I liked him,” he said. “I’ve never seen anyone as talented as Dembélé. In training, he would go past everyone, I wondered who this guy was? He was flying. It was impressive. I’ve seen Messi, of course, but Ousmane… At 17 years old, to hit like that with both feet, with so much personality, it was impossible. I would go home thinking: I’ve never seen anything like this, this guy is crazy.”
Quintero has faced Les Bleus before
Sunday’s reunion will carry a special weight. The two dribblers will be opponents this time, having previously faced each other on the international stage on March 23, 2018, when Colombia defeated France at the Stade de France 3-2, with Quintero scoring a goal. Ten years after their time at Rennes, their paths cross again, on opposite sides of the field.
The upcoming friendly offers a compelling narrative beyond the on-field competition. It’s a reminder of the early days of a player who has ascended to the pinnacle of the sport, and a testament to the lasting impression he made on those who witnessed his raw talent firsthand. Dembélé’s journey from a promising youth prospect at Rennes to a Ballon d’Or winner is a story of unwavering confidence and exceptional skill.
Currently, Dembélé plays for Paris Saint-Germain, and as of March 21, 2026, has made 71 appearances for the club, scoring 32 goals, according to records. He likewise represents the French national team, with 58 caps and 7 goals as of March 26, 2026. His role in the national team has evolved, with reports suggesting a more free-flowing offensive role, as seen in a recent match against Brazil, allowing him to exploit space and create opportunities.
For Quintero, now at River Plate, the match represents a chance to revisit a shared past and test himself against a player he clearly admired. While his own career hasn’t reached the same heights, his recollection of Dembélé’s early brilliance offers a unique perspective on the development of a global superstar. The match at Northwest Stadium promises to be more than just a friendly; it’s a reunion of two players whose paths briefly converged, leaving a lasting impression on both.
The France-Colombia match is scheduled for 9:00 PM CET (3:00 PM EDT) on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. Fans can follow the match and receive updates through official team channels and major sports news outlets.
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