There are no more smiles and hugs between Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé. The relationship between the two French strikers is said to be very cold. “L'Equipe” claims that the two footballers have not spoken for a long time, while an interview in which Mbappé spoke about Dembélé has created tension. The “Ballon d'Or” issue has only further strained their relationship. Now they are back in the national team and Zidane will have to play the role of conciliator, for their own good and for the harmony of France.
The great friendship between Mbappé and Dembélé
Mbappé and Dembélé have an early connection, or perhaps they did. A good relationship between top-level footballers is not something that is common. They have a year's age difference and have known each other since they were children, playing in a youth tournament. When Dembélé was going through difficulties at Barcelona, Mbappé defended him publicly several times. An early relationship, strengthened over time. Kylian has called him a brother several times, in addition to a great friend.
They were connected even from a distance, with dozens of WhatsApp groups where they were protagonists when they weren't playing or training. A true friendship, which didn't waver even when they faced off on the field.
The friendship has broken down: they no longer talk on WhatsApp
Now, however, something has changed. “L'Equipe” claims that this unbreakable friendship has cracked and the collaboration between them no longer exists. A close source has revealed that they no longer even speak in the joint WhatsApp groups, there is no more harassment between them. Nothing at all.
What exactly happened is unknown. But in France, both "L'Equipe" and "RMC Sport" raise several hypotheses, which are related to the "Ballon d'Or" and a series of interviews that did not please one or the other.
Mbappé's words have angered Dembélé
Who knows if something happened during the World Cup, which France seemed to be able to win without much difficulty, but which ended up in fourth place. The cause of the dispute is certainly related to the "Ballon d'Or", which Mbappé wants to win. The Frenchman has nominated himself and is pushing hard for this award, in competition with Yamal, although neither of them has all the arguments to win it this year.
But the tipping point came in a recent interview, in which the Real Madrid player also spoke about Dembélé in these terms: "He has always been seen as a talented player, while I have always been seen as the chosen one. He has had a different journey, but he has managed to forgive himself."
Dembélé's response and vote for Kvaran
It seems that those words have enraged Dembélé. The fact that he was only considered a talent, who recovered after a difficult journey, did not please him. Meanwhile, Mbappé has actually considered himself a predestined for success. The Frenchman of PSG responded by saying: “I was never the chosen one, I always worked hard”. Then came the “revenge”. As for the “Ballon d’Or”, the Paris striker declared that Kvaratskhelia would deserve to win it, something that, moreover, is quite arguable. This time it was Mbappé who took the hit.
One on one and the ball in the center. A beautiful and long friendship cannot be broken like this after so many years. The reconciler is there, a modern Cardinal Mazarin, and it is Zinedine Zidane, who will have the opportunity to talk to both and perhaps make them hug during these international days.
