According to a report by GOAL on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, an alleged disagreement between Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé has reportedly created tension within the France national team ahead of their final two UEFA Nations League group matches.

The report, citing L'Équipe and relayed by Get French Football News, suggests that relations between the two forwards remain strained despite their public efforts to dismiss rumours of a falling-out.

France assembled at Clairefontaine on Monday, November 9, to prepare for Thursday's meeting with Italy at San Siro. The team will then face Turkey in Bordeaux on Sunday, November 15. However, reports about the relationship between the two attacking stars have continued to attract attention as the squad prepares for the important fixtures.

The disagreement reportedly began in September after Mbappé discussed the Ballon d'Or race and compared their different career journeys. The Real Madrid forward was said to have described himself as "the chosen one", while referring to Dembélé's career as one affected by repeated injury problems.

Dembélé, who won the 2025 Ballon d'Or following an impressive season with Paris Saint-Germain, appeared to respond after a PSG victory.

"I was never the chosen one. I worked hard and was rewarded with a wonderful year with Paris," the former Barcelona winger said.

Former footballer Jérôme Rothen subsequently claimed on RMC Sport that Dembélé interpreted Mbappé's comments as a betrayal. Rothen also suggested that some members of the French squad had sided with the PSG forward, raising questions about the atmosphere inside the dressing room.

L'Équipe further reported that Mbappé attempted to settle the matter by sending Dembélé a WhatsApp message, but allegedly received no response. The publication also suggested that Mbappé appeared less comfortable during the previous international gathering and that some teammates viewed his increased efforts to interact with the group as opportunistic.

Mbappé reportedly spent much of that period with Michael Olise. Marcus Thuram, another player considered close to him, is absent from the current squad because of a hamstring injury.

Despite the reports, Mbappé has rejected suggestions that the relationship has deteriorated seriously. Before joining the national team, he said he had already spoken with Dembélé.

"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, according to Foot Mercato.

Dembélé has also declined to fuel the speculation, saying he would rather concentrate on football than social media discussions.

"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," he said.

The PSG forward added that the pair had spoken and continued sitting next to each other during team dinners. His comments, alongside Mbappé's denial, suggest that both players want attention to remain on France's upcoming matches rather than reports of a personal disagreement.