France captain Kylian Mbappe has come under fire in his home country for opting out of Les Bleus’ Nations League matches against Israel and Belgium, despite being fit enough to play for Real Madrid. The controversy is brewing as fans and pundits alike question the priorities of one of football’s biggest stars.
Last month, Kylian Mbappe picked up a muscle injury, forcing him to the sidelines for several weeks. Yet, he made a notable return last Wednesday in the UEFA Champions League, coming off the bench to help his team. Just days later, Mbappe started in Real Madrid’s La Liga clash against Villarreal, further fueling criticism.
Didier Deschamps, head coach of the French national team, chose to leave Kylian Mbappe out of the squad announced on Thursday. Deschamps cited a lack of preparation, explaining that the 25-year-old had played too few matches since his injury. However, the decision has sparked a debate in France about the player’s commitment to the national team.
“Either you’re injured, and you don’t play with your club, and you’re not called up for the national team, or you’re ready to play for both,” said former France international Maxime Bossis in an interview with L’Equipe on Monday. “When you come off the bench in the Champions League and then start a league match, it creates confusion. We’ve seen this before with special players like Michel Platini, where the country still wanted them even when they were carrying injuries.”
Kylian Mbappe’s situation is complicated by his role as captain of the national team, a responsibility handed to him ahead of veteran Antoine Griezmann. Griezmann, who recently announced his retirement from international football, was renowned for his unwavering commitment, having played an incredible 84 consecutive matches for France between 2017 and 2024.
The absence of Griezmann leaves a void not only in skill but in leadership. Many feel Kylian Mbappe has yet to rise to the standards expected of a captain. Fabien Bonnet, spokesperson for the Irresistibles Français—the largest supporters’ group for the national team—voiced these concerns to L’Equipe: “As a captain, Mbappe must set an example for the fans, and on this occasion, he hasn’t. What emerges from this is that the real captain, Antoine Griezmann, is gone.”
The timing of Kylian Mbappe’s choice has added fuel to the fire. France, currently sitting second in Group A, face crucial matches ahead—against Israel in Budapest on Thursday and then away to Belgium next Monday. Fans are anxious, knowing how vital these fixtures are to secure a spot in the next round of the Nations League.
With Kylian Mbappe choosing club over country, the backlash raises broader questions about the modern player’s commitment to international football in an era when club fixtures dominate the calendar. For now, as the French team prepares for their Nations League battles, the absence of their star captain looms large, leaving fans and commentators alike wondering where the young leader’s loyalties truly lie.
