France team: Didier Deschamps stands up for Kylian Mbappé

Didier Deschamps brushes off criticism of Mbappé

Europe 31 May 2026 at 09:51

Just days before the 2026 World Cup, Kylian Mbappé is coming under heavy fire in Spain.

Responding to criticism surrounding Real Madrid's disappointing season and PSG's Champions League triumph, with Mbappé at the center, France head coach Didier Deschamps has no doubts about his captain.

🚨 Kylian Mbappé's 🇫🇷 message for his mother Fayza Lamari on Mother's Day 💐❤️:

“Happy Mother’s Day to the most important woman in my life and the best mom.

Thank you for your love… pic.twitter.com/24ngnAyY6k
— BeFootball (@_BeFootball) May 31, 2026

"As for Kylian, whether things are going well or not so well, he’s used to it. There’s always a lot of talk about him, he draws a lot of attention. But there are other players, maybe you talk about them less, who have had tough seasons too, including failing to qualify for the Champions League. I won't name them, but there are Italian clubs. They’ve had time to process it, and they know we’re now focused on a different goal. The club chapter is closed, and a wonderful new one is opening with the World Cup. There is nothing more important for an international player than a World Cup." said the former Juventus Turin coach.