# Behind Dembélé’s Ballon d’Or Reply to Mbappé: The Rising Influence of Agent Moussa Sissoko

> By  · Published 2026-09-15 · Updated 2026-09-15
> https://lesportifplus.com/en/2026/09/15/behind-dembeles-ballon-dor-reply-to-mbappe-the-rising-influence-of-agent-moussa-sissoko/

## Summary
French show L'After Foot spotlighted Moussa Sissoko, Ousmane Dembélé's agent, after Dembélé publicly responded to Kylian Mbappé's Ballon d'Or comments. Pundits described Sissoko as an increasingly influential behind-the-scenes figure who manages Dembélé's public communication and image within both PSG and the France national team.

## Key points
- L'After Foot analyzed Ousmane Dembélé's public reply to Kylian Mbappé over Ballon d'Or remarks
- Agent Moussa Sissoko was identified as managing Dembélé's communication strategy
- Sissoko is described as influential within both PSG and the France national team setup

French football talk show L’After Foot has drawn attention to Moussa Sissoko, the agent representing Ousmane Dembélé, after the PSG forward publicly responded to Kylian Mbappé’s remarks about the Ballon d’Or. The programme highlighted Sissoko’s growing behind-the-scenes influence, describing him as a key figure managing Dembélé’s communication and reputation both at Paris Saint-Germain and within the France squad.

## Who Is Moussa Sissoko and What Role Does He Play?

Moussa Sissoko is Ousmane Dembélé’s agent, credited by pundits with carefully managing the player’s public image and strategic positioning. According to the discussion on L’After Foot, Sissoko has become deeply embedded in the inner workings of both PSG and the French national team, operating largely away from the cameras but exerting real influence over how Dembélé is perceived.

> His job is to control the communication around his player, one commentator on the show explained.

## Why Did This Come Up Now?

The topic surfaced after Dembélé publicly answered Mbappé’s comments regarding the Ballon d’Or award, a rare moment of direct exchange between the two France internationals. L’After Foot’s panel used the episode to illustrate how Sissoko’s guidance appears to shape Dembélé’s public statements, suggesting the agent plays an active part in deciding when and how his client speaks out on sensitive topics like individual honors.

## What Does This Mean for Dembélé’s Standing?

The heightened attention on Sissoko reflects a broader recognition that agents increasingly shape narratives around top players, not just contracts and transfers. By framing Dembélé’s response as part of a deliberate communications strategy, the show suggested that his growing stature at PSG and with Les Bleus is being carefully managed off the pitch as much as it is earned on it.

## Source

- [RMC FOOTBALL](https://rmcsport.bfmtv.com/football/equipe-de-france/son-taf-c-est-de-controler-la-comm-l-after-foot-met-en-lumiere-le-role-de-moussa-sissoko-l-influent-agent-de-dembele_AV-202609140943.html) — RMC FOOTBALL

## Sources
- [RMC FOOTBALL](https://rmcsport.bfmtv.com/football/equipe-de-france/son-taf-c-est-de-controler-la-comm-l-after-foot-met-en-lumiere-le-role-de-moussa-sissoko-l-influent-agent-de-dembele_AV-202609140943.html)