Dembélé responds to reports of a rift with Mbappé over the Ballon d'Or

Follow-up - Al-Wasat Iraqi newspaper

French national team forward Ousmane Dembélé said there 'is no problem' with captain Kylian Mbappé after the two players exchanged indirect remarks through the media about the Ballon d'Or.

Social media has in recent times circulated numerous reports and speculation about tension between Dembélé and Mbappé, coinciding with the competition for football's most prestigious individual award.

Dembélé, the 2025 winner of the award, said at a press conference on the eve of the Blues' Nations League match against Italy at the Stade de France: 'We spoke side by side at the table, there are no problems.'

But the Paris Saint-Germain player refused to comment on the substance of the matter and explained: 'All these things I don't comment on, I don't want to comment on them. They're small fights on social media at 29 years old; I really have no interest in this matter. I'm focused on the essentials, which is the pitch.'

Real Madrid star Mbappé also eased the atmosphere in an interview with L'Équipe, stating there is no tension.

Dembélé's remarks came amid intense interest in the Ballon d'Or competition, which draws wide attention from fans and the media, especially with a number of prominent stars among the contenders.

Source: Agencies