Didier Deschamps has omitted Kylian Mbappe from the France squad for a second time, urging the media to respect the star’s privacy. The coach insists the decision was his alone, as scrutiny grows around Mbappe’s form at Real Madrid and recent off-field controversies. Mbappe will return to club action on November 24.
France's manager Didier Deschamps has urged the media to respect Kylian Mbappe’s privacy following his exclusion from the France squad for the second consecutive international window.
Mbappe, who recently transferred to Real Madrid, has been left out of the UEFA Nations League roster ahead of France’s critical match against Israel. Deschamps clarified in a Paris press conference that leaving the star forward out was his decision alone, adding that he believes the current squad setup is more effective without the 2018 World Cup winner for now. He requested that journalists “leave him alone” and focus on the team at hand.
Mbappe’s form at Real Madrid has been under scrutiny, and his recent off-field controversies, including allegations stemming from an October trip to Sweden, have amplified public attention.
The 25-year-old forward, with 86 caps and 48 goals for France, remains nine goals shy of Olivier Giroud’s national scoring record, but won’t return to international play until March 2025. He is set to resume club duties with Real Madrid against Leganes on November 24, following a brief break that included time with former teammate Eden Hazard at a karting event hosted by Carlos Sainz.
