Kylian Mbappé has dismissed talk of tensions with Ousmane Dembélé as the France team-mates are among the main contenders for the men’s spot. Ballon d’Or.
With the winners announced at a ceremony in London on 26 October, clubs and players have been actively campaigning for the prestigious award.
During a recent interview with France Football, which organizes the trophy, Mbappé said he believes he can win it this year.
The Real Madrid forward also compared himself to Dembélé, who won the award last year. When told that 10 years ago only a few observers would have thought Dembélé would win the Ballon d’Or before him, Mbappé responded:
“But he’s always been seen as a talented player. I, on the other hand, have always been seen as the chosen one. I was in charge straight away, from a very young age. He’s had a different journey, with injuries, but he’s handled it very well!”
Mbappe’s comments reportedly created tension between the pair. The two players were set to meet on Monday for a training camp in France ahead of the upcoming Nations League matches and Mbappé said their relationship remains unchanged.
Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé led France to a semi-final finish at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (Photo by Dustin Satloff – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
“I have already spoken to him about it and there is no tension,” he told L’Équipe during an interview about his role as ambassador for the On brand. “He’s a friend. I don’t think there’s really any problem with that. I’m pretty cool about it.”
After winning a second consecutive Champions League title with Paris Saint-Germain last season, Dembélé has a chance to retain the Ballon d’Or.
Dembélé and Mbappé both played for France at the World Cup, where their team lost to eventual champions Spain in the semi-finals. Although it is difficult to win the award without a major trophy, Mbappé made history when he passed Lionel Messi for the most goals of all time at the World Cup (22), in fewer games.
Reporting by the Associated Press.
