Zidane set to manage Mbappe and Dembele tension as France reunite

Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele will meet again at Clairefontaine after a contrasting weekend, with their public exchange over the Ballon d’Or expected to attract attention as France begin a new era under Zinedine Zidane.

Mbappe’s Real Madrid were beaten 2-1 by Atletico de Madrid, while Dembele helped Paris Saint-Germain to a 2-1 victory over Olympique de Marseille. The two France forwards will have little time to dwell on those results, with four international fixtures ahead.

France face Turkey on 25 September, Belgium on 28 September and 5 October, and Italy on 2 October.

However, the focus is likely to remain on the relationship between the two players following comments made after the Ballon d’Or nominations were announced.

Mbappe spoke about Dembele’s career and suggested the paths taken by the two players had been very different.

“Dembele? He has always been seen as a talented player. I have always been seen as the chosen one. I was at the top from the beginning, very early on,” Mbappe said.

“His path was different. He suffered injuries, but he made up for that.”

The Real Madrid forward later added: “In some years, I considered myself the best player in the world. I did not see anyone stronger than me.

“Then, when Messi arrived at the ceremony and won, I said he was the best player on the podium. No problem. When Cristiano won, I said the same thing.

“As for the others, I watched them, and even if he wins the Ballon d’Or, I would never swap places with him.”

Dembele, who was affected by the criticism, responded in an interview with Ligue 1+, insisting his career had been built through hard work rather than special treatment.

“Throughout my career, I have not said a word. I have worked incredibly hard,” he said. “As I said, I was never the chosen player, but I worked hard and last year I was rewarded for a fantastic season with Paris Saint-Germain.

“This year, we will see. There is no pressure. Just relax.”

Dembele also said he would give the Ballon d’Or to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

“I would be extremely happy because he deserves it too. He had an exceptional season. For me, he is the best player in the world. That is why he deserves the Ballon d’Or.”

L’Equipe reported on Monday that Dembele’s response surprised Mbappe, who had apparently not expected such a reply.

The new France manager could now be asked whether selecting both players would help settle the dispute, but sources within the national team and the new coaching staff told Sport there was no problem. They referred instead to Zidane’s most recent news conference.

“I do not want to put an end to the fun and the debate,” Zidane said. “Fun and debate happen every day; these are discussions, and they are part of the game.

“I know what it feels like to win the Ballon d’Or, and every player wants that. There are discussions, and that is normal. I think it is mostly happening outside the national team, but internally there will be no problems.

“We will focus on playing these four matches, starting with Turkey.”

Zidane’s priorities are clear. It will be up to Mbappe and Dembele to resolve their differences amicably.