Giovanni Castaldi attacks Mbappé over Dembélé dispute

Giovanni Castaldi has strongly criticised Kylian Mbappé over the growing tension between the France captain and Ousmane Dembélé. The comments came as both forwards joined up with France for four successive Nations League matches and amid Mbappé’s campaign for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

Castaldi, who follows the national team for L’Équipe, said the relationship between the two players had become noticeably cooler. He rejected the idea that Dembélé was always Mbappé’s closest companion within the France squad, arguing that Rayan Cherki and Marcus Thuram were closer to the captain during the 2026 World Cup. He added that Dembélé remained friendly with Mbappé and several other players.

The broadcaster placed most of the responsibility on Mbappé. In his view, the Real Madrid forward had initiated the dispute through remarks about Dembélé and had spoken dismissively about a team-mate he described as a friend. Castaldi also challenged the protection he believes Mbappé receives from television debates because of his status.

He further described Mbappé’s Ballon d’Or push as aggressive and damaging, saying it had prompted responses from Dembélé, Lamine Yamal and other contenders. Castaldi’s argument was that the current debate exists largely because France’s captain chose to discuss rivals and a fellow international in an unnecessarily hostile manner.