Mbappé puts out the fire with Dembélé
The Frenchman assures that he has already spoken with Dembélé and that there is no tension whatsoever between two of the main protagonists in the race for the Ballon d'Or
The race for the Ballon d'Or led to a minor clash between Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé that, over the last few days, fueled speculation about possible tension between the two great stars of the French attack. Now, with both of them on duty with France, the French star has wanted to put the matter to rest.
It all began last September 11, in an interview with France Football . Mbappé spoke about his chances of winning the Ballon d'Or , which will be awarded next October 26 in London, and, when comparing his career path with Dembélé's, he made a remark that did not go unnoticed. "He has always been considered a talented player. I have always been seen as the chosen one. I was at the top from the start. He had a different path, injuries, but he recovered well" , explained the Real Madrid forward about his former PSG teammate.
From the ‘chosen one’ to ‘there is no tension’
Two days later, Dembélé 's response arrived. The latest Ballon d'Or winner spoke on Ligue 1+ and, without directly mentioning Mbappé, used precisely the expression his teammate had used. “Throughout my entire career, I haven't said a single word, I have worked very hard. As I said, I have never been the chosen one, but I have worked hard, and last year I was rewarded with a fantastic season at PSG. And this year, we'll see, no pressure, calm ”.
The reunion with France raised expectations even further. However, Mbappé has now sought to play down any interpretation of a personal clash. In statements to L’Équipe , he said that he had already spoken with Dembélé and was blunt: “I’ve already talked it over with him and no, there are no tensions. He is a friend. I really think there is no problem at all in that regard, I’m very calm” , said the number 10 at an event for his new sponsor.
The Real Madrid player also believes that the controversy has grown because of the national team context itself: “During the Nations League period and with the French national team, you always have to look for a topic of debate, and I think this one is very well chosen” , he concluded.
About his Ballon d'Or chances
"I have had a great year individually. I know that is the most important criterion for the Ballon d'Or. I have been the top scorer in all the major competitions ," the Frenchman began on RFI Sports. "And I think it can be a good year for me and I feel that way. I don't know the whole history of the Ballon d'Or, but it's true that there is a lot of talk about an open race. So it's nice, nice to see and nice to take part. I think it also entertains people ," he explained.
