French superstar Kylian Mbappe has reaffirmed his commitment to the national team despite being left out of the squad for the past two international windows. The 25-year-old forward, who has already earned 86 caps and was instrumental in France’s 2018 World Cup triumph, insists his passion for representing Les Bleus remains as strong as ever.
Mbappe, who famously scored a hat-trick in the 2022 World Cup final against Argentina – only to see France fall short in a dramatic penalty shootout – has found himself sidelined by manager Didier Deschamps. In October, Deschamps cited the forward’s recovery from injury as the reason for his exclusion. However, when Mbappe was omitted again in November, no clear explanation was provided.
Speaking to Canal+, Mbappe addressed the situation with a composed response: “My love for the national team hasn’t changed. Playing for France is about serving your country, and that’s a privilege I will always cherish.”
2023 has been a testing year for Mbappe, both on and off the pitch. On the international stage, he has managed just one competitive goal. During the European Championships held in Germany, he played through the pain of a broken nose, showing his dedication despite the challenges.
At club level, Mbappe is still adjusting to life at Real Madrid following his high-profile move from Paris Saint-Germain. While he has demonstrated his undeniable quality with 11 goals in 21 appearances for Los Blancos, he has yet to consistently rediscover the blistering form that made him one of the most feared forwards in world football.
Looking ahead, Mbappe is set to play a key role in Real Madrid’s campaign in the revamped Club World Cup next summer. The tournament, featuring 32 teams in a new format, will be another chance for Mbappe to shine on the global stage. The following year, his focus will shift to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, adding yet another high-stakes competition to his packed schedule.
As the football calendar becomes increasingly congested, concerns over player welfare continue to grow. With tournaments and fixtures piling up, injuries are becoming more frequent, and the risk of burnout looms large.
Mbappe voiced his concerns about the relentless schedule, drawing comparisons to other sports: “In the NBA, players get at least four months off. In football, we barely get two weeks before we’re back to running again. It’s too much.”
His comments echo the frustrations of players’ unions and associations, which have been advocating for more sustainable schedules. The packed calendar is particularly taxing for players like Mbappe, who are expected to perform at the highest level for both club and country without adequate recovery time.
Despite the challenges, Mbappe remains resolute and focused on what lies ahead. His love for the game and his unwavering commitment to France drive him forward. Whether it’s fighting for glory with Les Bleus or leading Real Madrid to success in the Club World Cup, the next chapters of Mbappe’s career promise to be as captivating as ever.
With the world watching, Mbappe’s journey continues, and his determination to excel on the biggest stages shows no sign of wavering. For both club and country, the Frenchman remains a player to watch – and one who still has much to offer.
