2026 Ballon d’Or: Tensions arise between Mbappe, Dembele

There is growing tension between France teammates Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele ahead of the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

L’Equipe reports that Mbappe’s recent statements have caused issues within Dembele’s circle.

While promoting himself as a potential winner of this year’s award, Mbappe said that Dembele, who is the current winner, was the “chosen one”.

Dembele fired back at the Real Madrid forward, insisting that he had always worked for everything he had achieved in his career.

Mbappe is understood to be surprised by Dembele’s outburst but will not respond to him publicly.

Both players have made the 30-man shortlist of nominees, and the winner will be announced on October 26.