At France’s national-team base, with UEFA Nations League fixtures ahead, Kylian Mbappé moved to dismiss any suggestion that the Ballon d’Or had damaged his friendship with Ousmane Dembélé.
Ballon d’Or discussion reaches the France camp
- Dembélé recently described his victory in last year’s Ballon d’Or as recognition for sustained hard work, adding that he had never been considered “the chosen one”. His remark was seen as a reference to comments Mbappé had previously made in Spain.
- On Monday, Mbappé addressed the subject after joining the France squad. The Real Madrid forward said he had already spoken with Dembélé and insisted there was no dispute between the two attackers.
“I have spoken to him and there is no tension,” Mbappé said. “He is a friend and I truly do not think there is any problem over this. I am very calm.”
Mbappé retains faith in his own case
The Real Madrid No. 10 also made clear that he believes he can win the Ballon d’Or for the first time. The prize, awarded by France Football, remains one of the defining individual honours in the European game.
Mbappé pointed to his personal output over the season, saying he had enjoyed a strong campaign and regarded individual performance as the central measure in the award’s voting.
“I had a very good year individually, and I know that is the most important criterion for the Ballon d’Or,” he said. “I was the leading scorer in all the major competitions. I do not know the full history of the Ballon d’Or, but people are talking about an open race. That is enjoyable to watch and to be involved in. I think it is good for people too.”
