A bold statement from Didier Deschamps has sparked debate and divided opinions. The France manager has stood firm on his decision to release Kylian Mbappe from the national team camp, despite the controversy it has caused. But here’s where it gets interesting…
Deschamps believes there’s no need to take any risks with Mbappe’s fitness, especially after his stellar performance in securing France’s place at the 2026 World Cup. Mbappe, the Real Madrid star, scored a brace against Ukraine, helping Les Bleus qualify for the tournament with a game to spare.
And this is the part most people miss: Mbappe’s achievement is even more remarkable as he became the youngest player to reach the 400-goal milestone. However, the humble superstar downplayed the record, stating that it’s not one that impresses people, especially when compared to the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
“Four hundred goals is great, but it’s not enough to shock people when you have Ronaldo with 950 and Messi with 900. I need to score 400 more to even be in that conversation!” Mbappe said.
Despite his impressive goal tally, Mbappe had to sit out France’s final World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan due to an ankle injury sustained in the Ukraine game. The French Football Federation confirmed the decision, stating that Mbappe’s ankle inflammation required further examination.
Deschamps defended his choice, emphasizing that there was no benefit to forcing Mbappe to play against Azerbaijan, especially with France already qualified for the World Cup. He added, “I’m not taking risks with anyone.”
This decision has certainly raised eyebrows, with some questioning the special treatment Mbappe receives. However, Deschamps remains unwavering, believing that Mbappe’s health and well-being take priority over any potential risks.
So, what do you think? Is Deschamps right to prioritize Mbappe’s fitness, or should the superstar have played through the injury? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
P.S. Mbappe’s early release is a huge boost for Real Madrid, who will be hoping for more goals from their star forward as they aim to stay at the top of La Liga.