Absent from the last two French national team gatherings, the French team captain’s legitimacy is being questioned by many observers and even the coach.
Currently in a complicated phase of his career, Kylian Mbappé is not guaranteed to keep his armband upon his return in March 2025. According to the French daily L’Equipe, Didier Deschamps has decided to discuss this matter with the Real Madrid player. The end of 2024 is undoubtedly the most tumultuous period of Mbappé’s career on all fronts. Already struggling on the pitch with his club, the 25-year-old French international was overlooked by Didier Deschamps in October and November.
Too many absences
The coach did not want to give a clear explanation regarding the reasons for his absence. “The only thing that matters are the players who are here,” said the 2018 World Cup champion. “We will try to get the best out of the group. After that, Kylian, I think he will be back soon. We wish him the best during this time,” he said during the press conference announcing his squad for the November matches.
This new absence of Mbappé raised many questions about his ability to hold the captain’s role and the weight it represents for him. When asked about it, the former French captain again avoided answering. “I am not going to ask myself a question that is not on the agenda. Everything in its own time (…) he wanted to come, I repeat, but I think it is better for him at the moment. Everyone has the right to have a difficult period. There is also the physical and psychological aspect,” he said.
A withdrawal for his own good
His return to the national team is not in question. But the question has been raised internally as to whether the former Paris Saint-Germain player is capable of wearing the armband for a long time. According to L’Equipe, the ball is in Mbappé’s court. If he says he is capable of assuming the role, Deschamps will renew his confidence in him. If he decides he does not want to continue as captain, the coach will have to choose a new one.
For this, a few names have already been noted by the French coach. In Mbappé’s absence, Didier has tried three captains according to Foot Mercato. Namely, his club teammate Aurélien Tchouaméni, Al Ittihad midfielder Ngolo Kanté, and central defender Ibrahima Konaté.
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