Ousmane Dembele responds to Kylian Mbappe’s ‘chosen player’ claim in Ballon d’Or race

Ousmane Dembele has answered Kylian Mbappe’s description of himself as “the chosen player” as the Paris Saint-Germain forward begins his pursuit of a second successive Ballon d’Or.

Mbappe made the comparison earlier this week while discussing the award, saying Dembele had always been regarded as a talented player, whereas he had been viewed as someone destined for the top from a young age.

“Dembele? He has always been seen as a talented player,” Mbappe said. “As for me, I have always been considered the chosen player. I reached the top directly and at a young age.

“He has had a different career because of injuries, but he has managed to make up for that well.”

The comments came as Mbappe continued his campaign for the Ballon d’Or and added another talking point to the debate surrounding the 2026 award.

Dembele had not responded publicly until after Paris Saint-Germain’s 1-0 victory over Brest. Foot Mercato published comments from the France international, who is among the contenders for the prize after another successful season with the Paris club.

Dembele won the 2025 Ballon d’Or after helping Paris Saint-Germain secure a treble of the UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1 and Coupe de France. The club then claimed a second UEFA Champions League title, strengthening his case to remain among the leading candidates for the 2026 award.

Asked about Mbappe’s remarks, Dembele said his own progress had come through persistence rather than being identified early as the player most likely to succeed.

“No, I have always been like this,” he said. “I have always sat at the back of the class and worked hard. Throughout my career, I have never said a word; I have just worked.”

Dembele then addressed Mbappe directly, describing him as a long-standing friend and France team-mate.

“I was never the chosen player,” he said. “I worked hard and was rewarded in a great year with Paris. This year, we will see. I am following it without pressure. We will see.”

The Ballon d’Or debate will continue until the awards ceremony on 26 October, when the 2026 winner is due to be announced.

Both players have previously shared the France dressing room, while their contrasting accounts of their careers have now become part of the build-up to the next Ballon d’Or vote.