Dembélé dismisses Mbappé rift claims ahead of France clash with Italy

France forward Ousmane Dembélé has dismissed reports of a rift with Kylian Mbappé, insisting there is no problem with his national team colleague.

The reported tension emerged as France gathered at Clairefontaine under new head coach Zinédine Zidane, whose arrival as manager dominated headlines in France.

Dembélé and Mbappé, who have traditionally shared a close relationship, were reported to have become distant following comments surrounding this year’s Ballon d’Or, which will be awarded in London later this month.

Dembélé responds to Ballon d’Or comments

Speaking to France Football, Mbappé said: “He has always been seen as a talented player; I have always been seen as the chosen one.”

Dembélé subsequently responded in an interview with Ligue 1 Plus, reflecting on his career and his rise to the top of world football.

“I have always been at the back of the class, working hard. In my whole career, I haven’t said a word. I have worked a lot. As I said, I was never the chosen one, but I worked and, last year, I was rewarded for a fantastic year with PSG, and this year, we will see, without pressure, calm,” said the Paris Saint-Germain forward.

Reports at the beginning of the France camp suggested that the relationship between the pair had become “frosty”.

Dembélé dismisses reports of tension

Dembélé has now addressed the reports ahead of France’s UEFA Nations League meeting with Italy on Friday.

“I’m not going to comment on all of these stories; I don’t want to comment on them. These are little squabbles on social media. At 29 years old, I am not commenting on it. I am focused on what is happening on the pitch,” responded Dembélé.

The Ballon d’Or holder could also wear the France captain’s armband against Italy in Mbappé’s absence.

Dembélé was then asked directly whether he remained friends with Mbappé, and the forward insisted there was no issue between them.

“We have spoken. We are next to each other on the table. There isn’t a problem.”