For the second time in a row, Kylian Mbappé’s name is missing from the France squad. This month, France is set to play against Israel and Italy in the UEFA Nations League, but head coach Didier Deschamps has opted not to include the team captain, Mbappé, in the lineup. Mbappé was also absent from France’s October matches against Belgium and Israel.
Deschamps hasn’t clarified the exact reason for leaving Mbappé out, though there has been recent criticism regarding his performance for Real Madrid. In his last three matches across La Liga and the Champions League, Mbappé hasn’t scored.
At a press conference today, Deschamps explained the decision not to include the 25-year-old Mbappé, saying, ‘We discussed it. This decision is only for this round of matches.’ Deschamps also mentioned that Mbappé expressed his desire to play in the matches.
Since joining Real Madrid in July, Mbappé has scored six goals and provided ten assists. However, he struggled in recent high-profile games, like El Clasico and the Champions League clash with AC Milan. Against Barcelona, he failed to score and was caught offside eight times—a joint record in a single La Liga match over the last 15 years.
Deschamps addressed his discussions with Mbappé, saying, ‘In these conversations, we may not agree on everything, but I always have these talks with players. I’m not someone who lets a player come in and say they’re the best and most handsome without question. I listen to them, and these discussions are a source of inspiration for me to support them personally and as a team.’
Deschamps clarified that he ultimately makes the final decision himself. After Mbappé’s absence from the squad in October, rumors spread that Mbappé himself chose not to play for the national team, which sparked some criticism. Deschamps later stated that the decision not to include him was his alone.
In the UEFA Nations League, France will face Israel on November 14 in Paris, followed by Italy at Milan’s San Siro three days later.
