Ballon d’Or 2026 places Mbappé and Dembélé at the heart of a tension

In the corridors of the French federation, the anticipation is palpable: the name of the 2026 Ballon d’Or will be revealed in a month and the trophy ceremony is scheduled for October 26. Meanwhile, the candidates, including Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, are multiplying interviews and statements.

Campaign of the Ballon d’Or contenders

The prize contenders are intensifying their media campaign. Lamine Yamal and Fabian Ruiz have each asserted their ambitions to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or. This dynamic shows that the competition is no longer limited to the two French stars. The candidates are campaigning more or less while awaiting the revelation of the winner.

Ousmane Dembélé, the current title holder, remains more discreet than his co‑candidate. He has, however, reacted to certain remarks from his captain within the French national team, which has provoked the annoyance of some observers. He notably responded to the captain’s brief comments within the French national team.

Intervention by Nicole Abar

Former international Nicole Abar expressed her point of view this Thursday, as a columnist for the channel L’Équipe. She said she wanted to put an end to the “recreation” between the two French internationals. This Thursday, the columnist said she wanted to put an end to the recreation between the two internationals.

“I have two words to say to Kylian (Mbappé) and to Ousmane (Dembélé). I am really upset, very, very upset because they are making headlines for the wrong reasons.”

“They are going astray. They are creating a parasitic, negative communication, whereas we should all be there… highlighting the stakes of the Turkey‑France match, the beginning of a beautiful era with Zinedine Zidane.”

Nicole Abar advised the two players to speak on the pitch as early as tomorrow, Friday. She invited them to showcase their talents, to highlight their charismatic personalities, in order to give a very beautiful image of French football and the France national team. She emphasized that their charismatic personalities could enhance French football.

She hopes that this little ego war will end quickly, reminding that the French team will have to set aside their differences during the France national team gathering. The France national team gathering is approaching, demanding focus on the match against Turkey.