According to Didier Deschamps, Kylian Mbappé is currently in a much better state both physically and mentally.
The French World Cup-winning coach is delighted to finally have his star forward fully refreshed after a long time. “There are no physical issues, and mentally, he’s in a very good place,” Deschamps said, expressing his joy at seeing Mbappé at his best once again.
Mbappé, now with the French national team for the World Cup qualifiers, has impressed Deschamps with his current form. The Real Madrid forward looks sharper and stronger compared to last year.
Deschamps admitted that Mbappé endured a tough final six months at PSG, which took a toll on his mindset. The 2018 World Cup winner struggled with rhythm towards the end of last year, partly due to a thigh injury he suffered before leaving PSG for Real Madrid in June 2024.
Because of his dip in form and fitness, Deschamps left him out of the Nations League squad last October and again the following month. However, Mbappé made his return to the national team in March, playing in the quarter-finals and semi-finals of the tournament, though France were knocked out by Spain.
Unsurprisingly, Deschamps has included Mbappé in the squad for France’s first two World Cup qualifying matches. Speaking to French daily L’Équipe, he said:
“Is Mbappé fresher compared to last year? Yes, absolutely. But it’s also linked to his final six months in Paris. Physically, he’s doing really well, but the main thing is his mental state.”
“Mental fatigue affects the physical side as well. You can’t measure mental exhaustion, but factors like travel, time differences, and the weight of expectations all play a role.”
France will face Ukraine in their opening qualifier on Friday in Poland before hosting Iceland three days later in Group D of the UEFA qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
