Kylian Mbappe ‘set to quit’ France national team

Kylian Mbappe is reportedly considering ending his international career with France, following a series of tensions with the national team management.

The Real Madrid star was notably omitted from Didier Deschamps’ squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Israel and Italy.

Deschamps explained the decision in a press conference, stating, “I’ve had discussions with him.

“This is a decision I took for this block of matches only. Kylian wanted to come.”

However, recent reports suggest that this decision may mark the beginning of Mbappe’s departure from the national team.

According to sources in France, the 25-year-old now feels that his relationship with the French Football Federation, particularly with Deschamps, has soured.

It is reported that Mbappe will not represent France under the current circumstances, and will only return to the national team if things change.

Deschamps and Mbappé’s relationship is now described as “fractious.”

Mbappé, who made his debut for France in 2017, has enjoyed a stellar international career. With 86 caps and 48 goals, he ranks third on France’s all-time top scorers list.

The forward was instrumental in France’s 2018 World Cup triumph and famously scored a hat-trick in the 2022 World Cup final, though France ultimately lost to Argentina in a dramatic shootout.

These reports about Mbappé’s international future coincide with a challenging period for him at club level.

While he has netted eight goals in 15 appearances for Real Madrid this season, the forward has expressed frustration with manager Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to play him as a central striker.

Former French international Thierry Henry has also criticised Kylian Mbappe, accusing him of contributing to the struggles of teammate Jude Bellingham.

He said: “It’s almost always Bellingham that tries to make the runs, makes the team play.

“He is still the one who tries to break the lines.

“Who is running and trying to get to the finish line?

“It’s Bellingham that is doing Mbappe’s job.

“This can happen from time to time, but not all the time.

“Do you think Bellingham likes to do these runs to stretch the team?

“He does it because he has the desire and the will to do it.

“You have to give him time, but he must learn to play as a 9 and have the desire and the will to do so.

“I think the team is frustrated with him, which I can understand.”

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