Kylian Mbappe has reaffirmed his dedication to representing France, despite being left out of their last two international squads.
The 25-year-old forward, who currently plays for Real Madrid, expressed his ongoing love and commitment to the national team in a recent interview with Canal+.
Mbappe has been a cornerstone of the French national team, amassing 86 caps, scoring 48 goals, and playing a pivotal role in France’s triumph at the 2018 World Cup.
In addition, he famously netted a hat-trick in the 2022 World Cup final, although France ultimately lost to Argentina in a dramatic penalty shootout.
Despite his stellar record, Mbappe was notably absent from the squad for France’s October Nations League fixtures, having just returned from an injury.
His exclusion was described as a precautionary measure. However, the absence continued into November, with no clear explanation provided by coach Didier Deschamps.
This prompted questions about Mbappe’s relationship with the team and his future with Les Bleus.
Addressing the situation, Mbappe made it clear that his passion for the national team remains unchanged.
“The French team has always been the highest rank in football, it’s the national team. I’ve always said there’s nothing more important. My love for the French team hasn’t changed,” he stated. “You serve your country and that’s it.”
Mbappe’s commitment to France is further evidenced by his words on his role within the squad. As captain, he leads by example, and despite the recent setbacks, he maintains a respectful stance toward the team’s management.
He acknowledged that the decision to leave him out in November was purely the coach’s, saying, “I can’t talk about November because it was a decision from the coach and I’ll get behind what he said. I fully respect his decision because he is the boss.”
Although Mbappe’s 2024 campaign for France has been less than spectacular, his contribution to the squad remains invaluable.
He managed only one competitive goal this year, but his struggle was largely attributed to physical issues, including a broken nose that affected his performance during the European Championship.
At club level, Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid in the summer was met with high expectations. However, he has yet to hit his peak form at the Spanish club.
Despite this, Mbappe has found the net 11 times in 21 appearances for Los Blancos, showcasing his goal-scoring prowess even when not at his best.
Looking forward, Mbappe remains focused on his goal of continuing to contribute to both Real Madrid and the French national team.
His passion for representing his country is unwavering, and he is prepared to put any disagreements or absences behind him.
With his undeniable talent and dedication, it’s clear that Mbappe’s place in the French squad, as well as his leadership on the pitch, remains secure.
As France prepares for upcoming international fixtures, the presence of Kylian Mbappe—whether on the pitch or in the locker room—will continue to be a driving force for the team’s success.
