Adil Rami rejects Mbappe-Dembele Ballon d’Or tensions

Adil Rami has rejected claims that Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele’s dispute could divide France’s squad. The former defender, who won the 2018 World Cup alongside both players, says the media is inflating an issue between two footballers who consider themselves friends.

Rami made his position clear in a post on Threads, accusing journalists of chasing manufactured controversy and of presenting damaging claims about players and their families. His message ended with a strong insult aimed at those he considers responsible for misleading their audience. Rami is now a consultant for Ligue 1+.

The debate follows recent exchanges involving Mbappe and Dembele over the Ballon d’Or. On RMC, Jérôme Rothen said Mbappe had taken Dembele’s comments badly and viewed them as a betrayal. Rothen also raised the prospect of tension at France’s next gathering, which is due to be the first under new coach Zinédine Zidane, with rival groups forming inside the squad.

Rami does not share that reading of the situation. The Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for 26 October in London, around six weeks away, keeping the disagreement in focus before the award is presented.