The French national team defends Mbappé: 'Everyone does what they want in their free time'

The French national team has rallied behind its star player, Kylian Mbappé, amid a brewing controversy surrounding his off-the-field activities.

The Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid-linked forward was seen heading to a Swedish nightclub while recovering from a muscle injury, coinciding with France's 4-1 victory over Israel in the UEFA Nations League. The sighting led to public criticism, with some questioning Mbappé's focus and commitment to his role as captain of the French national team.

One of the most vocal critics was former French international Jérôme Rothen, who went so far as to suggest that Mbappé should be stripped of the captain's armband. Rothen, a former midfielder for clubs such as PSG and Monaco, argued that the captain of 'Les Bleus' should exhibit greater responsibility, especially during international competitions. According to Rothen, Mbappé’s decision to visit a nightclub while sidelined due to injury sent the wrong message, both to his teammates and to the fans.

However, current members of the French squad were quick to come to Mbappé’s defense. Chelsea center-back Wesley Fofana and Lazio midfielder Mattéo Guendouzi both spoke out against the criticism, downplaying the incident and reaffirming their trust in Mbappé as a leader. For them, Mbappé’s night out was blown out of proportion by the media, and they stressed that the forward’s dedication to his recovery and his role as captain should not be questioned.

Fofana, speaking at a press conference, expressed disbelief at the attention given to the incident. “Everyone does what they want in their free time. It wasn’t a topic of discussion in the squad; I didn’t hear anything about it,” Fofana said, dismissing the controversy. “He does what he wants. He’s a great guy, a great professional. Are people exaggerating? I don’t know. He’s a great French player, so it’s normal that he gets a lot of media attention. Personally, I think sometimes people exaggerate a bit.”

Fofana’s comments highlight how the French squad perceives Mbappé as a respected figure in the locker room, despite the external criticism. His reference to media exaggeration suggests that the French defender believes the incident has been overblown by the public and pundits, detracting from the more important focus on the team’s on-field performances.

Mattéo Guendouzi echoed these sentiments, further emphasizing Mbappé’s commitment to the French team. “There’s no doubt about Kylian for us. He’s not 100 percent fit, but there’s no question about his commitment. He loves his country and will continue to help us,” Guendouzi said, defending his captain. The Lazio midfielder reinforced the idea that Mbappé’s focus on his recovery should not be questioned, as he was clearly not in the physical condition to participate in the match against Israel. Guendouzi also called for an end to the ongoing speculation: “We need to stop talking about this. You all have lives too, and he has days off; he can do what he wants.”

The controversy surrounding Mbappé’s night out brings to light the intense scrutiny that top-level footballers face, especially when they hold a leadership role within their national team. As captain of 'Les Bleus,' Mbappé carries the weight of expectations not only on the field but off it as well, with his actions often magnified by the media. However, his teammates' swift defense of him suggests that within the French camp, there is no concern about his leadership or professionalism.

Mbappé’s return to full fitness is still a priority for both PSG and the French national team. Despite missing the match against Israel, he rejoined the squad just days later, playing the full 90 minutes in a 0-0 draw against OGC Nice in Ligue 1. His swift return to action indicates that his recovery is progressing, and the brief nightclub controversy has seemingly had no impact on his standing within the squad.

Ultimately, the French team’s response to the incident illustrates a unified stance behind their captain, with players like Fofana and Guendouzi dismissing external criticism and focusing on the bigger picture: maintaining their momentum in the Nations League and preparing for future competitions. For Mbappé, this episode serves as a reminder of the constant scrutiny he faces as one of the world’s top footballers, but also as a testament to the support he receives from his teammates and the French national team’s belief in his leadership and ability.