Ousmane Dembele’s Ballon d’Or comments surprise Kylian Mbappe

Kylian Mbappe was surprised by Ousmane Dembele’s response to remarks about their contrasting careers and the Ballon d’Or, according to French newspaper L’Equipe.

The Real Madrid forward recently discussed his Paris Saint-Germain and France team-mate while assessing their different paths in football.

“Dembele has always been seen as a talented player. As for me, I have always been viewed as the chosen player,” Mbappe said. “I reached the top straight away and at a young age. He has had a different career because of injuries, but he has managed to make up for that very well.”

Dembele responded after Paris Saint-Germain’s 1-0 victory over Brest on Sunday, making clear that he did not see his own success as the result of being singled out for early recognition.

“I have always been like this. I have always sat at the back of the class and worked hard,” Dembele said. “Throughout my career, I have not said a single word; I have worked.”

He added: “I was never the chosen player. I worked hard and was rewarded with a great year at Paris. This year, we will see how things stand with the Ballon d’Or. I am following it without pressure. We will see.”

L’Equipe reported that Mbappe was also taken aback by Dembele’s comments on Sunday. However, the Real Madrid player does not intend to respond publicly, and the pair have not spoken to each other about the matter so far.

The newspaper added that this was not the first time Dembele had been unhappy with comments made by Mbappe.

Dembele has reportedly taken issue with several public statements from Mbappe on different occasions in recent years. Despite knowing Mbappe better than almost anyone else, and despite not being naive, Dembele has consistently chosen not to answer his international team-mate in public.

The two players have been team-mates with France and previously shared the pitch at Paris Saint-Germain, before Mbappe left the club for Real Madrid. Their latest exchange has centred on the Ballon d’Or and the differing routes they have taken during their careers.