France coach Zinédine Zidane has refused to be drawn into the Ballon d’Or debate surrounding Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, insisting his squad must keep its focus on the four matches ahead.
The contest for France Football’s individual prize has generated intense discussion in recent weeks, with Mbappé and Dembélé at the centre of the conversation. But Zidane, newly installed as Les Bleus boss, made clear that the national-team camp will not become a stage for that argument.
Zidane closes down Ballon d’Or discussion
Asked about the race between two of France’s leading attacking players, Zidane acknowledged the personal importance of the award while declining to endorse either candidate.
“I know what the Ballon d’Or represents,” Zidane said. “Every player has that ambition and it must be respected. But, honestly, there will be no debate. We are not going to talk about it.”
The former Ballon d’Or winner understands the pull of the trophy, but his message was pointed: individual recognition will not be allowed to distract from France’s immediate work.
No concern over Mbappé and Dembélé
Zidane also dismissed suggestions that the public discussion could create tension between Mbappé and Dembélé inside the France group.
“There will be no problem within the camp,” he said. “We will concentrate on the four matches.”
For Zidane, the priority is therefore settled. The Ballon d’Or argument can continue outside the dressing room; inside it, France are preparing for their next four fixtures.
