Kylian Mbappe’s Return to France Squad Confirmed by Didier Deschamps

Contents

0.1 Mbappe Set to Rejoin France After Missing Nations League Matches

1 Deschamps Confirms Mbappe’s Comeback
2 Why Was Mbappe Absent from France’s Squad?
3 Can Mbappe Lead France to Glory Once Again?

Mbappe Set to Rejoin France After Missing Nations League Matches

Kylian Mbappe will return to the France national team after being left out of the squad for the October and November Nations League fixtures. The Real Madrid star was given time away from international duty following his high-profile transfer from Paris Saint-Germain.

Deschamps Confirms Mbappe’s Comeback

Didier Deschamps, who will step down as France manager after the 2026 World Cup, has confirmed that Mbappe will be available for the upcoming March international break.

“Of course, he’ll be there. Why wouldn’t he be? He had very specific reasons for missing out, but if nothing happens between now and then, he’ll return,” Deschamps told L’Équipe.

The 26-year-old endured a challenging transition after moving to Real Madrid, dealing with fitness issues and psychological pressures. However, he has rediscovered his best form, scoring 24 goals across all competitions this season, including a crucial strike in Madrid’s 3-2 Champions League win over Manchester City.

Why Was Mbappe Absent from France’s Squad?

Mbappe’s omission from France’s previous international squads was unexpected, especially since he is the team’s captain. Deschamps explained that multiple factors contributed to his absence:

Limited rest and lack of pre-season preparation
Six turbulent months at PSG before his Madrid move
Back pain and a broken nose during Euro 2024
Adjustment period at Real Madrid

“It took time, but everything is now in place because he worked hard to overcome those challenges,” added Deschamps.

Despite his recent absence, Deschamps emphasized that Mbappe’s leadership remains intact and that he is expected to retain the captain’s armband in March.

“This break doesn’t change anything about his leadership. There have always been internal discussions, and I see no reason why he wouldn’t continue as captain.”