Zidane weighs dropping Ballon d’Or winner Dembélé

Ousmane Dembélé could lose his place in France’s starting attack when Kylian Mbappé returns, despite winning the Ballon d’Or. Didier Zidane now has stronger competition for the wide positions, with Michael Olise, Rayan Cherki and Désiré Doué all improving their claims. The decision could leave Dembélé as the biggest casualty of the reshaped hierarchy.

Dembélé struggled to impose himself while wearing the captain’s armband in Mbappé’s absence. He attempted five shots without putting any on target and lost possession 22 times, the highest figure in the match. One of those errors began the move that gave Belgium the lead. He was taken off after 60 minutes, with Olise, Cherki and Doué helping France look a different side afterwards.

Zidane nevertheless offered public support, describing Dembélé’s display as energetic and exemplary while insisting there was no major concern. That backing may not settle the selection issue. Olise has strengthened his case on the right, Doué has advanced on the left and Cherki provides another option in the role behind the striker.

Dembélé’s status is significant, but his international output remains modest at 13 goals in 71 appearances. Zidane has also made clear his appreciation of Olise’s football intelligence. With Mbappé set to return, a front three featuring Doué, Mbappé and Olise is becoming increasingly plausible, putting Dembélé’s position under direct pressure.