Kylian Mbappé says there's nothing bigger than France

In recent weeks, Kylian Mbappé has faced scrutiny over his commitment to the French national football team after missing several important matches. Notably, he was absent from the Nations League games against Israel and Italy, as well as a prior gathering due to a minor thigh injury. Despite these setbacks, he remains a vital player and captain of the team, expressing his enduring dedication to France in a televised interview with Canal Plus. Mbappé emphasized that his love for the national team remains unshaken, stating, 'There’s nothing bigger than the national team.' The challenges he has faced, both physically and mentally, were acknowledged by the team’s coach, Didier Deschamps, who indicated that it was in Mbappé's best interest to skip these recent matches. This led to speculation regarding Mbappé's mental health; however, he clarified that he was not depressed and took issue with how some observers have portrayed his situation. Mbappé noted that while he sometimes feels the burden of expectations as captain, he has always prioritized the team above everything else. He also mentioned experiencing unfair treatment compared to former captain Hugo Lloris. Contributing to the discourse around his recent performances, he talked about his transition to playing for Real Madrid, stating he is 'very happy' despite the difficult start at the club. He expressed enthusiasm about achieving his long-term dream of playing for Madrid, highlighting the immense pressure that comes along with being part of the world’s most successful club. Even though his goal tally for the national team has recently dipped—he scored just two goals in twelve outings—he remains third on France's all-time scoring list. With the world watching, Mbappé's acknowledgment of fans’ expectations and his resurgence will be closely monitored as he aims to reclaim his top form in both club and international play.