Mbappé dismisses Dembélé tension, misses training

PARIS (AP):

Kylian Mbappé has dismissed suggestions of tension with Ousmane Dembélé as the France teammates emerge among the leading contenders for the men’s Ballon d’Or.

With the winners set to be announced at a ceremony in London on October 26, clubs and players have been actively campaigning for the prestigious award.

During a recent interview with France Football, which organises the trophy, Mbappé said he believes he can win it this year.

The Real Madrid striker also compared himself with Dembélé, who won the accolade last year. When told that 10 years ago only a few observers would have thought Dembélé would win the Ballon d’Or before him, Mbappé replied:

“But he has always been seen as a talented player. I, on the other hand, have always been seen as the chosen one. I was at the top right away, from a very young age. He had a different journey, with injuries, but he has caught up really well!”

Mbappé’s comments reportedly sparked speculation about tension between the pair. Both players were due to join a France training camp on Monday ahead of upcoming Nations League matches, but Mbappé said their relationship remains unchanged.

“I’ve already spoken to him about it, and there’s no tension,” he told L’Equipe during an interview in connection with his role as an ambassador for the brand On. “He’s a friend. I don’t think there’s really any problem regarding that. I’m very relaxed about it.”

After helping Paris Saint-Germain win a second consecutive Champions League title last season, Dembélé has a chance to retain the Ballon d’Or.

Dembélé and Mbappé both represented France at the World Cup, where the team lost to eventual champions Spain in the semi-finals. Although winning the accolade without a major trophy is difficult, Mbappé made history when he overtook Lionel Messi for the all-time World Cup goals record with 22, achieved in fewer matches.

Yesterday, Mbappé missed training because of a bout of flu, the team said.

The French squad has gathered at Clairefontaine, on the outskirts of Paris, for a training camp ahead of its Nations League fixtures.

France will play away to Turkey on Friday and Belgium next Monday before hosting Italy on October 2 and Belgium on October 5.

Mbappé, who won the 2018 World Cup with France, remains team captain under new coach Zinédine Zidane.