Former Celtic sensation Karamoko Dembele, often likened to the next Lionel Messi, is in the process of resurrecting his career in League One.

Dembele, who first made headlines in 2016 by making his debut for Celtic’s U20 team at the incredibly young age of 13, is now 20 and is embarking on a season-long loan at Blackpool in hopes of reigniting his professional journey.

His story began in 2013 when he joined Celtic’s academy, transitioning from local amateur club Park Villa. Born in London to Ivorian parents and raised in Scotland since infancy, he is eligible to represent three different nations.

Dembele quickly gained recognition at Celtic, particularly with his groundbreaking appearance for the U20s. His former coach at Park Villa, David Feeney, likened him to Lionel Messi, stating, “He is very similar to Lionel Messi. If he has the right guidance and stays at Celtic then the sky is the limit for him. I honestly believe he can go all the way and be a great player… He’s the best young player I have ever worked with.”

His ascent through the ranks at Celtic was rapid, and he made his first-team debut in May 2019 at the age of just 16. His performance caught the attention of manager Neil Lennon, who remarked, “He is the type of player that you want at Celtic. He gets the crowd off their feet with his football intelligence. Obviously we need to keep a lid on it, but it’s great that the fans have seen the glimpse of the future… He has been training with the first team and I had no hesitation giving him 45 minutes.”

In short order, prominent clubs such as Manchester City and Chelsea expressed interest in Dembele, and both England and Scotland sought his services at the youth level, leaving his international future uncertain.

However, Dembele’s progress did not proceed as smoothly as anticipated. He struggled to secure a consistent place in the first team and faced an eight-month absence from the pitch due to a broken ankle in the summer of 2021. By the time he had recovered, his Celtic contract was nearing its end.

In June 2022, Dembele bid farewell to Celtic, leaving fans pondering what might have been. Yet, as one chapter closed, another opened: French club Brest extended a four-year contract offer, presenting a significant opportunity for the young player as they competed in Ligue 1.

Dembele’s initial season with Brest fell short of expectations. Despite making 17 appearances in various competitions, he started only one game and failed to score or provide an assist. Consequently, Brest decided to loan him out.

Enter Blackpool. The Tangerines, recently relegated from the Championship, acquired Dembele at the end of the summer transfer window and handed him his League One debut against Wycombe last Saturday.

“I’ve had some cracking moments at Celtic and Brest and those experiences have helped me grow as a person and a player,” said Dembele. “I love bringing a bit of excitement and entertainment to the pitch, and hopefully I can chip in with some goals and assists for the team.”

This is precisely what he needs to achieve. Blackpool is likely to offer Dembele the opportunity for regular first-team action, and he must demonstrate his skills to secure a place in professional football. If he can avoid injuries, this season could be his breakthrough moment.

Karamoko Dembélé

This season he played in total once for 15 minutes for Ligue 1.

Karamoko Dembélé didn’t score any goal for Brest. He procured no assists. He received no yellow cards and no red cards.

His team is currently 6th in Ligue 1. In the last match Brest lost 1-0 against LOSC Lille.

Blackpool performance and stats

Blackpool is currently 7th in the League One with 23 points.

In the last 15 games, it has won 6 times, drawn 5 times, and lost 4 times. In its last match, Blackpool lost 2-4 against Peterborough United.​​

It has a positive goal difference after scoring 21 goals and conceding 19.​

Blackpool will play the next match in League One against Fleetwood Town on Wednesday 1st of November in Fleetwood. The prediction is Blackpool winning the match.​

Lionel Messi

This season he played in total 6 times for 372 minutes for Major League Soccer.

Lionel Messi scored 1 goal for Inter Miami. He procured twice assists. He received no yellow cards and no red cards.

His team is currently 14th in Major League Soccer. In the last match Inter Miami lost 1-0 against Charlotte.

Inter Miami performance and stats

Inter Miami is currently 14th in the Major League Soccer with 34 points.

In the last 34 games, it has won 9 times, drawn 7 times, and lost 18 times. In its last match, Inter Miami lost 1-0 against Charlotte.​​

It has a negative goal difference after scoring 41 goals and conceding 54.​