Former Celtic star once dubbed ‘the next Lionel Messi’ finally achieved boyhood dream after leaving Parkhead

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A former Celtic star who was touted to become ‘the next Lionel Messi’ has finally achieved a lifelong career dream.

Not everyone gets to make it at Celtic Park, with several high-profile talents failing to make the cut in Glasgow.

One of those is Karamoko Dembele, who was tipped to become Celtic’s future star after making his senior debut at the age of 16.

After a handful of opportunities, Dembele eventually left and joined Brest in France – only to spend the majority of his time out on loan.

Now plying his trade at Queens Park Rangers in the Championship, Dembele is finally finding his feet as a senior player.

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Karamoko Dembele got to play against his brother in a league game

Dembele is part of a footballing family and is related to current Oxford United winger Siriki Dembele.

Siriki has always wanted to play with Karamoko and was a product of the Dundee United and Ayr United academy but is now plying his trade in the second tier of English football.

Before the season just gone, the two haven’t taken to the pitch together but on April 9, 2025, the two finally did battle against one another

QPR were 3-1 winners on the night but the two swapped shirts and Karamoko reacted to his dream coming true on Instagram, saying: “What a win last night! And a memorable moment sharing the pitch with this player.”

How has Karamoko Dembele fared since leaving Celtic?

It’s been three years since the 22-year-old left Celtic in search of more football elsewhere, but has found his calling in the lower levels of the English footballing pyramid.

Loan spells at Blackpool and QPR have been his most successful periods and the winger will be hoping that he can finally kick on and show his worth.

After a confusing end to Dembele’s career, it’s good to see him thriving elsewhere.