According to Goal.com, comments made by Mbappé and Dembélé regarding the Ballon d'Or have sparked controversy, reigniting tensions and even showing signs of division within the French national team's locker room.

Mbappé previously spoke about the Ballon d'Or, stating that he and Dembélé have always occupied different positions in the conversation. Dembélé won the Ballon d'Or last year, and Mbappé said: "Dembélé? He has always been seen as a talented player, while I have always been considered the chosen one." Mbappé also emphasized that he reached the top at a very young age, while Dembélé took a different path due to injuries.

Mbappé's words did not go unnoticed. Following Paris Saint-Germain's victory over Brest, Dembélé's response was seen as a direct rebuttal to his French national team teammate.

Dembélé stated: "I've always been like this, working hard from the ground up since I was little. Throughout my career, I've barely said anything, just trained hard. I was never the chosen one; I earned my rewards through hard work and had an extraordinary season at Paris. We'll see how this season goes. I just face everything without pressure."

The conflict between the two extends beyond their public statements. Jérôme Rothen, a former French international and current RMC commentator, revealed that those close to Dembélé were very unhappy with Mbappé's remarks.

Citing Marca, Rothen stated that Dembélé "did not accept this at all" and was "very angry with Mbappé." Rothen also said: "For him, this is a betrayal. Strong words, but they perfectly reflect how this is perceived from the outside."

Rothen claimed that this sentiment is not limited to Dembélé himself. Some Paris Saint-Germain teammates and French national team teammates have also sided with Dembélé, and Mbappé's comments may have created two factions within the French national team.

Rothen explained that there are players in the French team who do not understand Mbappé's statements, and some of them are closer to Dembélé's side. Despite both belonging to the French team, a rift seems to have appeared.

He said: "I've been told that many players in the French team once again don't understand Mbappé's statements, and they are closer to Dembélé's camp than Mbappé's camp. Although they are on the same national team, it now looks like there are two camps."

As the next international break approaches, the situation becomes even more sensitive. Mbappé and Dembélé are expected to return to the French national team training camp, which will be their first reunion under new coach Zinedine Zidane.

French media previously reported that a meeting between the two might be arranged to de-escalate tensions and end the controversy.

The timing of this controversy is also delicate. The Ballon d'Or announcement is imminent, with Dembélé aiming to defend the award he won last year, while Mbappé hopes to win the trophy for the first time in his career.

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