Full Breakdown
Mbappé Refutes Rumored Rift with Dembélé Amid Ballon d’Or Race
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Kylian Mbappé, the Real Madrid forward, publicly dismissed reports of a personal dispute with France teammate Ousmane Dembélé. In interviews with *France Football* and *L’Équipe*, Mbappé said he has spoken with Dembélé and that “there is no tension” and that their friendship remains unchanged. The comments came as both players are among the leading candidates for this year’s Ballon d’Or, which will be awarded at a ceremony in London on Oct. 26. The two are set to reconvene at the France training camp ahead of upcoming UEFA Nations League matches.
Background & Context
The Ballon d’Or race has intensified after Dembélé won the award last season. Mbappé, who helped Real Madrid secure a second straight Champions League title, believes this year is his best chance to claim the trophy. He highlighted his recent World Cup record—surpassing Lionel Messi with 22 tournament goals—as a key credential.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) initially promoted three of its nominees—Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Fabián Ruiz—equally through media content. According to French website *Foot Mercato*, the club recently shifted its campaign to focus primarily on Dembélé and Kvaratskhelia, a move linked to internal discussions about Mbappé’s repeated remarks on the Ballon d’Or race. PSG declined to elaborate, reiterating its general support for all nominated players.
Official Statements & Responses
- PSG’s spokesperson, speaking to *L’Équipe*, emphasized the club’s pride in having ten of the thirty nominees and declined further comment on the revised promotional focus.
Data & Statistics
- World Cup goals: 22 (most all-time, surpassing Messi) – AP.
- Champions League titles: Mbappé’s second consecutive win with PSG last season – AP.
- Ballon d’Or nominees: Ten Real Madrid and PSG players combined among the thirty candidates – Goal (report on PSG strategy).
Why It Matters
The clarification of relations between Mbappé and Dembélé helps preserve squad cohesion for France ahead of the Nations League, where internal discord could affect performance. Their rivalry also shapes the narrative of the Ballon d’Or race, influencing media coverage and voter perception. PSG’s strategic shift to spotlight Dembélé and Kvaratskhelia reflects the club’s attempt to consolidate votes for its players, while the sidelining of Ruiz may raise questions about internal equity and player morale.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think it can be a good year, but it doesn't depend on me,” — Kylian Mbappé
- “I think he is a very talented player and I have the feeling that he is going to have a great career. I wish him all the best,” — Kylian Mbappé