According to reports in the French daily Le Parisien, Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé resolved a growing tension with national teammate Ousmane Dembélé following a phone call mediated by Inter Milan player Marcus Thuram. The dispute arose during individual campaigns for the upcoming Ballon d’Or award, after Mbappé publicly labeled Dembélé a mere “talent” while referring to himself as the “chosen one.”
Ballon d’Or Rivalry Creates Locker Room Friction
The competing claims for the France Football prize brought friction into the national team setup as players gathered at Clairefontaine, according to Le Parisien. Mbappé arrived last to the training camp as the most anticipated player, following public comments where he stated the award should go to the strongest player. Citing his status as top scorer in La Liga, the Champions League, and the World Cup, where he holds an absolute scoring record, Mbappé’s self-candidacy placed him at odds with Dembélé. According to sporting chronicles, Dembélé—who won the Ballon d’Or a year ago after securing the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain—did not appreciate the remarks from his former club colleague.
Zinedine Zidane, beginning his tenure as manager of the French national team, addressed the media regarding the situation. “The debate is normal, but once here we focus on the national team,” Zidane said, according to Le Parisien.
Marcus Thuram Mediates Peace Call Between Mbappé and Dembélé
Following Zidane’s call for focus, Mbappé utilized a WhatsApp group shared by the three players to initiate contact. Although Marcus Thuram was not included in Zidane’s initial squad selection for the camp, the Inter Milan forward played a key intermediary role in setting up the peace call. Mbappé subsequently phoned Dembélé to clear the air. Dembélé had previously responded to the remarks by stating, “I’ve never been the chosen one, but the one who stays at the back of the class and works hard. That’s how I was rewarded.”
Mbappé confirmed the resolution of the matter in an interview with L’Equipe, stating, “Ousmane is a friend, there are no problems. We have already spoken to each other. Then it’s clear that during national team camps something to debate must always be found.” The debate now appears closed ahead of the Ballon d’Or ceremony scheduled for October 26 in London.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why did tensions arise between Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé?
Tensions emerged during the players’ respective campaigns for the Ballon d’Or, after Mbappé referred to Dembélé as a “talent” and described himself as the “chosen one.”
Who mediated the dispute between the two French internationals?
According to Le Parisien, Inter Milan player Marcus Thuram facilitated the resolution by helping arrange a phone call between Mbappé and Dembélé.
When is the next Ballon d’Or ceremony?
The France Football award ceremony is set for October 26 in London.
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