Kylian Mbappé and His New Dynamics in the French National Team: Between Hope, Responsibility, and Controversy

Muhe - Friday, 29 August 2025 | 10:00 AM (WIB)

Kylian Mbappé and His New Dynamics in the French National Team: Between Hope, Responsibility, and Controversy

Kylian Mbappé is once again in the spotlight for the French national team. The player, who now plays for Real Madrid, has been called up by coach Didier Deschamps to play for Les Bleus in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers against Ukraine on September 5 and Iceland on September 9. Mbappé's presence clearly strengthens France's attack, given his impressive early season performances with his new club. However, behind the euphoria of this call-up lies an interesting dynamic that reflects the complex position of a world star in balancing club, national team, and public pressure.

Returning as Les Bleus' Mainstay

Since being appointed captain of the national team, Mbappé has brought a different aura to the French squad. His speed, sharpness, and leadership on the pitch make him an irreplaceable player. Deschamps stated that Mbappé's call-up was logical, as he is capable of making the difference in crucial matches. With a combination of talented young players like Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni, Mbappé's presence is expected to combine this great potential into a real force.

The "Club vs. Country" Controversy

However, Mbappé's journey with the French national team has not been entirely smooth. Recently, tensions arose between the French Football Federation (FFF) and Real Madrid regarding the star's arrival schedule. Madrid postponed Mbappé's departure for the national team's training camp, citing the need to maintain his fitness in preparation for the Club World Cup. This decision sparked frustration within the FFF, which felt that Mbappé's delay in joining could disrupt the team's preparations, particularly for UEFA Nations League matches. This situation once again demonstrated the complexities of the tug-of-war between major clubs and the national team.

Self-Reflection and New Maturity

Beyond administrative issues, Mbappé's personal side is also a concern. After a difficult period that sidelined him for several weeks, both physically and mentally, Mbappé returned with renewed vigor. He openly acknowledged past mistakes, including his handling of public pressure and internal team dynamics. Now, as captain, Mbappé is committed to being more mature, focused, and leading by example both on and off the pitch.

Dismissing Rumors of Internal Tensions

Media reports have been rife with tension within the French squad, especially ahead of major tournaments like the European Championships or the Nations League. However, Mbappé insists that his relationship with his teammates remains solid. In his latest interview, he reiterated his happiness at being back in the squad, insisting that all rumors of disharmony are simply external pressure. For Mbappé, the most important thing is maintaining team unity and ensuring France remains a dominant force on the world stage.The latest news about Mbappé in the French national team shows two different sides of a star player. On the one hand, he remains a big hope for Les Bleus to qualify and compete at the 2026 World Cup. On the other, he is also at the center of controversy, both related to club affairs and internal speculation. However, it is precisely at this point that Mbappé's character as a leader is tested. How he handles pressure, maintains team harmony, and consistently demonstrates his quality on the pitch will be crucial in determining France's future.