Mbappe insists he's not jealous of Dembele's Ballon d'Or win
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe said in an L'Equipe interview published September 12, 2026 that he feels no jealousy toward compatriot Ousmane Dembele winning the 2025 Ballon d'Or before him. Mbappe acknowledged he was seen as the 'chosen one' during their Paris Saint-Germain days, while Dembele was viewed as very talented but faced injuries and a tough road to the top. Dembele edged out Barcelona's Lamine Yamal for the 2025 award, marking his first Ballon d'Or despite earlier setbacks. Mbappe stressed their career paths are different, noting his own early high-level success contrasted with Dembele's comeback after difficult moments. The comments come as Mbappe continues his career at Real Madrid, having left PSG amid high expectations. For Nigerian football fans, the exchange highlights how elite players navigate rivalry and personal journeys, reminding that success timelines vary even among peers. What does this tell you about handling comparisons in your own field—do you see them as motivation or pressure?