From the very start — yes, Mbappe and Dembele are friends. Their relationship goes beyond the pitch: they’ve known each other since their youth and share a deep mutual respect. Over the years, they’ve often spoken warmly of one another, and Mbappe has repeatedly voiced his support for Dembele’s career, even during difficult times.
In this piece, BraeckBall will explore the roots of their friendship, how it has played out at PSG and with the French national team, and whether the two ever truly drifted apart or if the hype about rivalry is just media noise.
Roots of a Friendship: Growing Up Together
Kylian Mbappe (born in Bondy, Paris) and Ousmane Dembele (born in Vernon, France) first crossed paths as teenagers in the French youth football ecosystem. Both were rising stars in French football, and they quickly formed a bond. Mbappe has publicly described that he has been Dembele’s “biggest supporter since he was fourteen”, underlining that he followed Ousmane’s journey closely, even when Dembele was being criticized.
Their shared background and early careers—both under the pressure of being touted as future greats—helped foster a relationship built on solidarity and understanding.
Professional Paths: PSG, France, and the Public Eye
Teaming Up at PSG
When Dembele moved to Paris Saint-Germain in 2023, many observers wondered how he and Mbappe would coexist—at the time, Mbappe was the face of PSG, and Dembele was seen as a potential heir to his attacking mantle.
Despite that, Mbappe went out of his way to welcome Dembele, both publicly and privately. The warm messages and public words of encouragement highlighted not only Mbappe’s faith in Dembele as a footballer but also exemplified the personal connection they share.
France National Team
With both wearing the blue jersey of Les Bleus, Mbappe and Dembele have occasionally partnered in attack, and their mutual trust on the field seems to mirror their off-field friendship. In interviews, Mbappe has emphasized how playing with Dembele adds unpredictability and fluidity to the French attack.
There have been moments of tension in the French squad—forms fluctuate, selections are debated, and media scrutiny is relentless—but Mbappe has consistently spoken positively about Dembele’s growth and potential, framing him as a teammate and friend rather thanal.
Public Endorsements And Supportive Moments
One of the clearest indicators that their friendship is real comes through Mbappe’s public endorsements of Dembele:
- Mbappe has said he would be “happy” if Dembele won the Ballon d’Or, viewing it as a recognition of his friend’s hard work and perseverance.
- When he left PSG, Mbappe openly backed Dembele to become Ligue 1’s top performer and succeed him as a keystone figure in Paris.
- In a moving interview, Mbappe reflected on how Dembele’s struggles—injuries, criticism, inconsistency—had shaped his journey, and he reaffirmed that.
These expressions of personal support go beyond what one might expect of casual teammates or fellow professionals—they speak to a dee, showing Mbappe’s willingness to publicly defend and uplift Dembele, even when the spotlight wasn’t on him.
Rivalry or Media Hype?
Despite the camaraderie, the narrative of a rivalry has occasionally been pushed by media outlets, often comparing Mbappe vs. Dembele as competing French forwards or “who will carry PSG/France forward.” But those comparisons tend to underplay the reality of their relationship.
In truth, their dynamic appears more complementary than confrontational:
- Playing styles: Mbappe is known for explosive pace, goal-scoring instincts, and finishing; Dembele brings flair, dribbling, and creative wing play. Rather than fighting for the same role, their styles can blend—especially in a fluid attacking system.
- Professional transitions: When Mbappe departed PSG for Real Madrid, Dembele was often framed as someone stepping into the void—but Mbappe’s statements consistently framed him as a successor rather than a rival.
- Personal respect: No major public falling out has been reported. Instead, Mbappe’s public comments suggest that he sees Dembele’s success as a personal victory too. That’s a distinction that suggests any rivalry is mostly rhetorical.
So while the Mbappe vs. Dembele showdown makes for tantalizing headlines, the reality is that these are two players who have supported each other through thick and thin.
Challenges and Tensions: Have There Been Strains?
It would be naive to assume their friendship has been entirely smooth. Both players have endured pressures—the spotlight of French football, injuries, personal challenges, and contrasting career trajectories. Dembele’s injury history and inconsistent form have often opened him up to criticism. Mbappe, meanwhile, has sometimes been accused of being aloof or too individualistic.
However, there is no documented major public feud between them. While Dembele has spoken in past interviews about the burden of expectations and media scrutiny, Mbappe has always circled back to his belief in Dembele’s talent—even in times when not everyone agreed.
In short: yes, there have been challenges, but Mbappe has consistently framed Dembele’s struggles as part of a larger journey—not something that would distance them.
Why Their Bond Matters
Understanding the friendship between Mbappe and Dembele offers dee. Their relationship shines a light on several key themes:
- Mentorship and solidarity among top athletes — Mbappe’s public support is a reminder that success in football often depends on mental resilience, trust, and peer belief as much as raw talent.
- Overcoming adversity — Dembele’s career has been shaped by injuries, criticism, and expectations. Mbappe’s unwavering belief in him underscores the emotional and psychological aspects of navigating a football career.
- Evolution of star partnerships — Watching how two elite forwards evolve—together, separately, in club and national settings—can teach us about tactical flexibility, personal growth, and how players shift roles over time.
- Humanizing the superstar narrative — In a sport saturated with comparisons and debates, stories like this remind fans that players are people first: friends, rivals, mentors, and learners, all at once.
Conclusion
In the end, yes — Mbappe and Dembele are friends, and their friendship is built on shared history, mutual respect, and genuine admiration. It survives professional transitions, public scrutiny, and the pressures of football stardom. Rather than being locked in a heated rivalry, they’ve shown a capacity to lift each other up.
If you want to dig deeper into how their on-field connection has shaped games for France or PSG, or compare their styles and stats side by side, BraeckBall has more detailed player profiles and match analyses waiting.
