Marcus Thuram helps resolve Mbappe and Dembele tension in WhatsApp group

The Ballon d’Or debate briefly threatened to create tension within the France squad after comments from Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele prompted speculation about a rift between the two players.

The disagreement was settled after Marcus Thuram helped mediate between the pair in a WhatsApp group involving all three players, according to French reports.

Mbappe moved to calm the situation by insisting there was no genuine dispute with Dembele, despite their comments about the race for the Ballon d’Or.

“I have already spoken to him about this subject. There is no tension and I do not think there are any real problems regarding it. I am completely calm,” said the Real Madrid forward.

Mbappe’s earlier remarks had attracted considerable attention. He spoke about how his career had followed a different path from Dembele’s, saying he had been viewed for several years as the player expected to shine, while Dembele had needed more time because of injuries and the circumstances he had faced.

Dembele, meanwhile, stressed that his own journey had not been straightforward. The Paris Saint-Germain forward said he had relied on sustained hard work to reach the top and had never been regarded as “the chosen player”.

He added that he had continued working until he received his reward last season after an exceptional year with his club.

“As for this year, we will see. There is no pressure and I am at peace,” Dembele said.

Those comments led to speculation that there might be some sensitivity between the France team-mates, who have shared a close relationship for several years. However, the situation never developed into a serious breakdown in their relationship.

According to French outlet Foot Mercato, citing Le Parisien, Mbappe realised that his comments had not been well received by Dembele. He therefore contacted him to clarify what he had meant and prevent the issue from escalating within the France camp.

Le Parisien reported that the two players reached an amicable understanding, with both wanting to ensure that the Ballon d’Or debate did not affect the atmosphere around the national team.

Thuram played a significant role in easing the situation by helping to bring the two players together through a WhatsApp group that included Mbappe, Dembele and himself.

The tension was consequently brought to an early end, allowing the two forwards to put the dispute aside for now and concentrate on their responsibilities with France. The Ballon d’Or contest had been the original source of the disagreement.