French national team coach Didier Deschamps has once again left Kylian Mbappe out of his squad for the upcoming international fixtures, sparking a wave of speculation across the football world.
According to French journalist Daniel Riolo, this omission may not be as routine as Deschamps suggests, but rather a deliberate “punishment.”
Mbappe, who made his debut for France in March 2017, has since become an integral part of Les Bleus, amassing 86 appearances, scoring 48 goals, and providing 35 assists.
The 25-year-old was a key figure in France’s 2018 World Cup-winning squad and also led the team to the final in 2022. Recently, he was entrusted with the captain’s armband, further cementing his influence within the team.
Despite his stature, Mbappe was left out of the squad in October, a decision that Deschamps initially labelled a “one-off.” Many expected the PSG forward to make a return for the November games, yet he remains excluded.
Deschamps clarified to reporters that the decision was not connected to recent allegations against Mbappe in Sweden, attempting to dispel the notion of controversy.
Riolo, however, offered an alternate explanation. Speaking to Tribal Football, he said, “It’s a punishment, it’s a sanction! Deschamps won’t say it outright, likely to avoid damaging their relationship further, but that’s the reality. We all expected him back, but this decision seems good and fair for now.”
The exact reason for Deschamps’ approach remains unclear, but football fans wonder what lies behind the coach’s handling of one of France’s brightest stars.
Shina Oludare is a distinguished sports journalist and managing editor, renowned for his comprehensive coverage of African football. His dedication to elevating African sports on the global stage has earned him widespread respect, along with numerous accolades for his contributions. A graduate of the LaLiga Business School in Madrid, Oludare’s passion for sports and his influential work in African football journalism have established him as a leading figure in the industry.
