At France’s gathering point, with Zinedine Zidane beginning work on a Nations League programme that stretches from late September into early October, Kylian Mbappé has sought to close down speculation surrounding Ousmane Dembélé. The two Paris Saint-Germain alumni return to the same international camp after an exchange that placed the Ballon d’Or, and their differing routes to the top, at its centre.
Mbappé said there was no strain between the forwards before joining the squad. “I have already spoken to him about it. There is no tension; he is a friend,” he said. “There is no problem at all and I am completely calm.” He suggested that discussion inevitably gathers around France whenever the national team convenes, and that this particular subject had become the latest focus.
France face Turkey on 25 September and Belgium three days later, before meetings with Italy on 2 October and Belgium again on 5 October. The camp gives Mbappé and Dembélé an immediate chance to put the matter behind them on the pitch as Zidane prepares his first set of fixtures in charge.
The Ballon d’Or backdrop
The debate began after Mbappé discussed his own prospects for the Ballon d’Or, due to be presented in London on 26 October. Speaking of Dembélé, the reigning winner, Mbappé contrasted the way their careers have been viewed. He said Dembélé had always been recognised as a gifted player, while he himself had been cast as “the chosen one” and reached the summit early.
Mbappé also acknowledged the more complicated path taken by his former PSG teammate, pointing to injuries before praising Dembélé’s recovery. Two days later, Dembélé answered by stressing the work behind his success rather than entering a direct confrontation.
“Throughout my career, I have not said a word; I have worked enormously,” Dembélé said. He noted that he had never been labelled the chosen player, but said his efforts were rewarded by an outstanding season with Paris Saint-Germain last year. Looking ahead to this season and the next Ballon d’Or decision, he added that he was approaching it without pressure and with calm.
