Kylian Mbappe, captain of the French national team, is under fire in France after opting out of Les Bleus’ Nations League fixtures against Israel and Belgium, despite being fit to play for Real Madrid. The controversy arises from his decision to skip international duty while still participating in club matches, which has drawn criticism from fans and former players alike.
Mbappe recently sustained a muscle injury, keeping him sidelined until his return in last Wednesday’s Champions League match. Although France coach Didier Deschamps excluded him from the national squad announced on Thursday, citing his lack of match preparation, Mbappe played in Real Madrid’s La Liga match against Villarreal over the weekend.
Former France international Maxime Bossis voiced his concerns in L’Equipe, saying, “If you’re injured, you should not play for your club or be called up for the national team. But when you feature in both a Champions League and a league match, it creates confusion.” Bossis compared Mbappe’s situation to that of Michel Platini, highlighting the exceptional treatment Mbappe seems to receive.
Adding to the complexity is Mbappe’s status as France’s captain, a position he took over from Antoine Griezmann, who retired from international football last week. Griezmann’s dedication to Les Bleus was undeniable; he played 84 consecutive matches for France between 2017 and 2024, setting a high standard for commitment and leadership.
However, Fabien Bonnet, spokesperson for the prominent France supporters’ group, Irresistible Francais, expressed disappointment in Mbappe’s behavior, stating, “As captain, he must set an example for the fans, and he has failed to do so. It feels like the real captain, Antoine Griezmann, is no longer with us.”
France, currently second in Group A, will face Israel in Budapest on Thursday, followed by a match against Belgium next Monday. The situation has stirred debates online, with trending topics like #MbappeControversy, #LesBleus, and #NationsLeague gaining momentum as fans and pundits question Mbappe’s commitment to the national team.
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