Mbappé Brushes Off Talk of Tension with France Teammate Dembélé as Ballon d’Or Race Heats Up
Mbappé said he has no problem with Dembélé as both France teammates are among the leading contenders for the men’s Ballon d’Or.
- On Monday, Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappé dismissed reports of friction with France teammate Ousmane Dembélé, telling L'Équipe their relationship remains unchanged and there is no tension.
- Reports of animosity emerged after Mbappé compared his career path to Dembélé's; both players are top contenders for the Ballon d'Or, with winners announced in London on Oct. 26.
- Mbappé told France Football he was viewed as "the chosen one" from a young age, while Dembélé had a "different journey" with injuries, remarks made 10 years after observers assessed their potential.
- France teammates gathered Monday for a training camp ahead of upcoming Nations League matches, as Mbappé's public rebuttal aims to neutralize speculation before the squad focuses on cohesion.
- Surpassing Lionel Messi for the most all-time World Cup goals with 22, Mbappé's record-breaking performance adds significant dimension to his campaign for this year's Ballon d'Or award.
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The Economic Times
Times of IndiaMbappe brushes off talk of tension with France teammate Dembele as Ballon d'Or race heats up
Kylian Mbappe has dismissed reports of tension with teammate Ousmane Dembele. Mbappe stated their friendship remains unchanged and there is no real problem. Dembele is a contender to retain the Ballon d'Or award this year. Mbappe believes he can win the prestigious trophy himself. Both players are preparing for upcoming Nations League matches.
Kylian Mbappé ruled out tensions with Ousmane Dembélé because the French teammates were among the main candidates for the Men's Golden Ball.
The two players had attacked the Ballon d'or through media. The distinction will be awarded again in a few weeks, in London.
The Frenchman assures that he has already spoken to Dembélé and that there is no tension between two of the great protagonists of the race for the Golden Ball
Mbappé and Dembélé met again in the concentration of France's selection for the European League of Nations.
Mbappé brushes off talk of tension with France teammate Dembélé as Bal
Atletico Madrid's Alex Baena falls to the ground in a clash with Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid in Madrid, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
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