Kylian Mbappé’s reported disagreement with Ousmane Dembélé has allegedly created tension within the France national team camp ahead of their final two UEFA Nations League group fixtures. According to a report by GOAL on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, the relationship between the two forwards remains strained, despite both players publicly playing down suggestions of a serious dispute.

A report by L’Équipe, relayed by Get French Football News, claims that the situation has continued to cause discomfort behind the scenes. France assembled at Clairefontaine on Monday, November 9, to prepare for Thursday’s encounter with Italy at San Siro before travelling to Bordeaux to face Turkey on Sunday, November 15.

The alleged disagreement is believed to have originated in September when Mbappé discussed the Ballon d’Or race and compared the different paths taken by the two players. The Real Madrid forward reportedly described himself as someone who had always been considered "the chosen one", while suggesting that Dembélé’s career had followed a different course because of his injury difficulties.

Dembélé, who won the 2025 Ballon d’Or following an outstanding season with Paris Saint-Germain, appeared to respond to those remarks after a PSG victory. The former Barcelona winger said: "I was never the chosen one. I worked hard and was rewarded with a wonderful year with Paris," he said.

Mbappé was reportedly unhappy with the response, with former footballer Jérôme Rothen claiming on RMC Sport that Dembélé interpreted the original comments as a betrayal. Rothen also suggested that certain members of the France squad had sided with the PSG forward, raising questions about possible divisions within the dressing room.

L’Équipe further reported that Mbappé tried to settle the matter by sending Dembélé a WhatsApp message in an attempt to clear the air. However, the message allegedly went unanswered. The report also claimed that Mbappé appeared more isolated and less comfortable than usual during the previous international gathering.

His reported efforts to engage more frequently with teammates and coaching staff were allegedly viewed by some members of the group as opportunistic. Mbappé is said to have spent much of that period alongside Michael Olise, while Marcus Thuram, regarded as one of his closest allies in the squad, is absent from the current camp because of a hamstring injury.

Despite the speculation, Mbappé has dismissed suggestions of significant tension between the pair. Before joining the latest France gathering, he insisted that they had already spoken and that he was not worried about their relationship.

"I've already talked about it with him, there are no tensions, I think there aren't really any problems about that, I'm really very calm," Mbappé said, as reported by Foot Mercato.

Dembélé has also refused to entertain the rumours. During a press conference, he made it clear that he was not interested in responding to stories circulating on social media.

"No, nothing. As I said, I'm not going to comment on all these stories. The little wars on social media… At 29, I really don't have my head in that. I'm focused on the rest, which is what happens on the pitch," the PSG forward said.

He added that the two players had spoken and continued to sit beside each other during team dinners, insisting that there was no serious issue between them.