Kylian Mbappé only wants to play ‘important’ matches in France with a view to the 2025 Ballon d’Or

Kylian Mbappé (25) is in the middle of a storm. The French captain was left out of consideration Les Bleus’ selection for the ongoing international break. It came after a thigh injury, which would initially rule him out of the entire international break.

However, he bounced back when he faced Lille OSC in the UEFA Champions League on the eve of Didier Deschamps’ announcement. Despite his recovery, Mbappé was absent from the squad, with the pretext of recovering from injury. However, that argument lost steam when he started Real Madrid’s last match before the international break, against Villarreal.

Mbappé pictured in Sweden during the match against France

Both Deschamps and FFF president Philippe Diallo are downplaying the controversy and have addressed Mbappe’s absence. Both have insisted it was a decision made after consultation with the former Paris Saint-Germain striker and with the players’ welfare in mind.

Although the storm appeared to be subsiding, it increased in intensity again around the same time Thursday evening Les Bleus faced Israel in the UEFA Nations League, Mbappé was pictured in Stockholm, Sweden. Swedish media Aftonbladet reported that he was at the Chez Jolie restaurant before going to a nightclub called ‘V’. This report was accompanied by photos of the Real Madrid forward wearing a mask and hat.

Mbappé openly stated that he did not want to play during the current international break

Foot Mercato have now provided further details on Mbappe’s absence. According to the report, he already warned during the last international break in September that he did not want to participate in the current international break, which included matches against Israel and Belgium. He spoke openly about this and those within the French organization were aware.

Deschamps said earlier this month that his captain “was not in the best psychological condition” during that break. He was notably booed by French fans after comments that he was not concerned about fans’ dissatisfaction with Les Bleus’ unattractive, defensive playing style.

Foot Mercato adds that Mbappé has made winning the Ballon d’Or in 2025 a priority and to do that only wants to compete in the “important” France is playing to avoid sustaining an injury that would ruin that dream.

Recently, Mbappe’s absence has led to calls from some former France internationals to strip the former PSG striker’s armband, while the Irresistible French, the national team’s main supporter group said yes “not normal” that Mbappé was absent, given his role as captain.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle