Dembélé-Mbappé: how Zinédine Zidane is managing France’s Ballon d’Or rivalry | OneFootball

On his first camp in charge of France, Zinédine Zidane, 54, is having to navigate the ego contest between Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé over the 2026 Ballon d’Or. He has dealt with similar dynamics at Real Madrid.

France’s attacking options are abundant and the rivalry has spilled into the media in recent days. After comments from the Madrid forward, Dembélé responded that he had never been the chosen one but had worked hard. “I have already spoken with him. There is no tension. He is a friend. I think there is no problem about that,” Mbappé told L’Équipe.

Zidane has said he will not call a halt to the chatter, adding that he understands the lure of the Ballon d’Or and that any discussions will not necessarily enter the dressing room. Mbappé has been eyeing the same distinction, won by Dembélé in 2025.

His track record in Madrid was rooted in the collective. He reduced Cristiano Ronaldo’s minutes for the good of the group and the Ronaldo, Bale and Benzema axis was less dominant, creating space for others. He also benched high-value names such as Eden Hazard or James Rodriguez when performances demanded it.

Former coach Guy Lacombe says Zidane’s approach mirrors Carlo Ancelotti’s in its emphasis on human relationships and drawing the best from the squad. His stature ensures players listen.

For now, the Mbappé-Dembélé friction is not viewed as a problem inside France’s camp. The winner of the 2026 Ballon d’Or will be announced on 26 October in London.

Source: Le Progres

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”