‘I Was Never the Chosen One’ — Dembele Responds to Mbappe

‘I Was Never the Chosen One’ — Dembele Responds to Mbappe

Ousmane Dembele has pushed back against Kylian Mbappe’s description of their different career paths as the two France teammates compete for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

Mbappe, speaking to France Football, said Dembele had always been recognised as a talented player, while he had been viewed as “the chosen one”.

The comment appeared to prompt a pointed response from Dembele following PSG’s victory over Brest.

The current Ballon d’Or holder said he had spent much of his career working without receiving the same level of recognition.

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• ‘I Was Never the Chosen One’ — Dembele Responds to Mbappe

“I was always at the back of the class, working hard” Dembele said. “I was never the chosen one.”

He went on to say that he had kept working throughout his career and was rewarded last year after an outstanding season with PSG.

The exchange comes as both players prepare for another contest for the biggest individual prize in football.

Dembele is among the nominees after winning the award in 2025, while Mbappe is also on the 30-player shortlist. Other leading names include Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal.

The winner will be announced on October 26 at the London Palladium, where the Ballon d’Or ceremony will be held for the first time.

For now, the remarks have added an extra layer to the competition between the two France stars, although neither player has publicly described their relationship as a feud.

 

‘I Was Never the Chosen One’ — Dembele Responds to Mbappe