What began as a quiet start to the Ballon d’Or campaign quickly escalated into a central topic across French football following brief comments exchanged between Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé.
In early September, Mbappé reflected on his season and FIFA World Cup statistics, asserting that his individual output provided a strong foundation for a compelling Ballon d’Or bid.
In an interview published by France Football, Mbappé addressed comparisons with Dembélé, stating: “He was always viewed as a talented player, whereas I was always viewed as the chosen one.”
While Mbappé’s remarks contained no direct hostility toward his international teammate, they drew a clear distinction between their career trajectories while referencing the “chosen one” label that has followed him since his early years.
Hours after Paris Saint-Germain’s 1-0 victory over Brest, Dembélé departed from his usual reserve to offer a public response that appeared directly aimed at Mbappé’s framing.
Dembélé remarked: “I was always at the back of the line working hard. I never said a word throughout my career, and I was never the chosen one, but I worked immensely, and last year I was rewarded with a remarkable season at Paris.”
The reigning Ballon d’Or holder added: “This year we will see what happens, calmly and without pressure,” turning his statement into an early marker of his intention to defend the award.
According to L’Équipe, Dembélé’s response took Mbappé by surprise regarding its timing and phrasing; however, sources close to both players view the exchange not as a personal dispute, but as a compelling dynamic leading into the London ceremony on October 26.
