Mbappé and Dembélé rift leaves France squad uneasy after Ballon d’Or

A falling out between Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé has created discomfort within the France squad, a situation that follows the Ballon d’Or ceremony that crowned Harry Kane, 32. The tension is evident in the still‑strained relationship between Mbappé, 27, and Dembélé, 29. Both attended the most recent international gathering, yet the two friends are said to have distanced themselves from one another. L’Équipe reported that Mbappé appeared more isolated and less at ease than usual, baffled by Dembélé’s reaction, which he deemed disproportionate.

The captain of Les Bleus is said to have tried to engage with various people around him, including players and staff. However, this sudden interest was reportedly perceived by some in the squad as opportunism. All these factors are said to have created an atmosphere within the squad that could be described as uncomfortable. While Dembélé withdrew from the November international break, the tension has not subsided, with him reportedly taking every opportunity behind closed doors to dig at his counterpart.

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