Kylian Mbappé faces France tensions after Rothen claims

Kylian Mbappé’s recent comments risk adding tension to the France camp, with Jérôme Rothen claiming that Ousmane Dembélé is not the only international frustrated by the captain. The issue will be among the first major matters for Zinedine Zidane as he prepares to take charge of the national team.

Mbappé, who plays for Real Madrid, has spoken publicly during his campaign for the 2026 Ballon d’Or. He contrasted his image as “the chosen one” with Dembélé’s reputation as a naturally talented player, while also questioning the standing of some recent winners without naming them. Dembélé, the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner, then responded after Paris Saint-Germain’s victory at Brest by stressing the work behind his career and his previous success with the club.

Rothen says Dembélé took Mbappé’s remarks particularly badly and described the reaction as a sense of betrayal. He also claimed that several France players do not understand Mbappé’s statements and are closer to Dembélé, whom he portrayed as a unifying presence within the squad. Mbappé’s performances and conduct at the World Cup had limited earlier criticism, Rothen said, but these latest remarks could damage his standing inside the group.

Zidane is due to announce his first France squad on September 18 at 18:00, ahead of the gathering three days later. Dembélé and Mbappé are expected to have the opportunity to address the dispute at Clairefontaine.