By our reporter 15.9.2026
The friendship between French teammates Ousamane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe has hit rock bottom following remarks made by the Real Madrid striker ahead of the 2026 Ballon d’Or awards.
Mbappe got his teammate upset by saying that he should naturally win the coveted football awards and in the process seemingly slighting the 2025 winner when he said: “Dembele has always been seen as a gifted player. As for me, I have always been considered the chosen one. I reached the top straight away and at an early age. He has had a different career because of injuries, but he has managed to make up for that very well.”
But according to French publication L’Equipe, Dembele was furious.
“I have always sat at the back of the class and worked hard. Throughout my career, I did not say a single word, I just worked.”
“I was never the chosen one, I worked hard and was rewarded with a wonderful year with Paris,” he added. “This year we will see (the situation in the Ballon d’Or), I am following it without any pressure. We will see.”
It has further been reported that Dembele’s comments caught Mbappe off-guard, but he chose against making a public comment on the matter.
Dembele and Mbappe...having a ball at the World Cup.