Kylian Mbappe Quits France National Team Amid Controversy with Manager Didier Deschamps

Kylian Mbappe, the star forward of Real Madrid, has reportedly decided to quit the France national team due to a significant fallout with the team’s manager, Didier Deschamps. This decision comes after Mbappe was left out of the France squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Israel and Italy.

Mbappe’s exclusion from the team is not due to injury, as he had previously missed international fixtures due to a thigh injury. Instead, reports indicate that Mbappe refused to be called up for the national team. According to L'Equipe, Mbappe prefers to stay in Spain and has no intention of joining the French national team as long as Deschamps remains in charge.

The rift between Mbappe and Deschamps has been escalating, with Mbappe’s camp, including his mother and agent Fayza Lamari, calling for the French federation to sack Deschamps. Many players within the team also reportedly support this move and are advocating for Zinedine Zidane to replace Deschamps, who has been managing the team for 12 years.

Deschamps addressed the situation, stating that Mbappe’s exclusion was not related to recent reports of a rape investigation in Swedish media. He emphasized that the decision was a one-off choice and that the presumption of innocence applies in such cases.

Mbappe has also been facing criticism for his poor form since joining Real Madrid. Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti defended Mbappe, saying that the player’s current struggles are a team issue rather than an individual problem. Ancelotti expressed confidence that Mbappe would overcome this difficult period.

The situation highlights a deeper frustration within the French national team, with many players seeking a change in leadership and a fresh approach under a new manager.