WhatsApp stalemate fuels tension between Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé

An unanswered WhatsApp‑message has reignited the months‑long tension between Ousmane Dembélé (29) and Kylian Mbappé (27). The French star players remain a hot topic, with Mbappé feeling increasingly isolated within Les Bleus and a WhatsApp‑stalemate feeding the tension.

Origin and statements

To trace the seed of the dispute we need to go back about two months, in the run‑up to the Ballon d’Or. Mbappé said about Dembélé: “He has always been seen as a player with talent… he has recovered excellently.” Dembélé responded cautiously with: “You know… I have worked incredibly hard.”

Mbappé’s remarks caused the relationship between the superstars to cool. Dembélé gave a politically correct answer, but L’Équipe reported that he and his entourage only modestly appreciated the comments.

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

In the previous international match both were selected by national coach Zinédine Zidane. Mbappé returned to Madrid after the opening game against Turkey, in which he suffered a knee injury, so they spent little time together. During this international break Mbappé and Dembélé will no longer see each other, because the PSG striker suffered a hamstring injury and had to drop out of Les Bleus.

According to L’Équipe Mbappé sent a WhatsApp‑message to Dembélé to calm the emotions, but Dembélé did not reply. Mbappé considers the lack of response “disproportionate”.

France: Zidane forced to reshuffle Mbappé without Dembélé or Thuram

L’Équipe also reports that Mbappé, as captain of France, is becoming increasingly isolated within the national team. During the World Cup Mbappé was surrounded by Dembélé, Thuram, Olise and Cherki. The tense situation with Dembélé leaves its mark, but France is already certain on Thursday of a place in the top two of the Nations League and a quarter‑final qualification. The article was written by Jordi De Koninck of Sport.