World Cup 2026: He’s Ballon d’Or winner – Mbappe defends France teammate, Dembele

France captain, Kylian Mbappe, has defended his teammate, Ousmane Dembele following criticism of the Paris Saint-Germain forward’s display against Senegal in their World Cup opener.

Speaking to the media ahead of France’s second World Cup tie against Iraq on Monday, Mbappe reminded everyone of Dembele’s Ballon d’Or status.

The Real Madrid star threw his support behind Dembele, insisting that the former Barcelona player has everyone’s confidence.

“Ousmane? I have watched the game back twice; in the first half, he was the best of the four in attack, the one who stood out the most,” Mbappe said.

“In the second half, Michael and I were decisive, but he also contributed. He drew in an opponent and left free space for the first goal.

“Ousmane is very calm, he is the Ballon d’Or winner, he has everyone’s confidence.”