Kylian Mbappé, the iconic captain of the French national team, found himself at the center of an unexpected controversy on the eve of the third-place match in an international tournament. According to several sources close to the locker room, the Real Madrid striker asked Didier Deschamps to exclude three Paris Saint-Germain players from the squad for this crucial match. This surprising move reportedly created some tension between the player and the coach, especially since the request was perceived as an attempt to interfere in the technical decisions.
The reasons for this request are not entirely clear, but rumors suggest ongoing tensions between Mbappé and some former PSG teammates. Despite his departure from the Parisian club, it appears that unresolved differences continue to affect his relationship with some members of the national team. The idea of playing alongside these players in such a symbolic match, according to some witnesses, deeply upset the French striker.
Didier Deschamps, true to his reputation as a firm and pragmatic leader, was quick to respond. Faced with his captain’s request, he reportedly uttered a simple nine words that quickly went viral among the staff: “This is the French team, not your club.” This brief but powerful statement had the effect of a thunderclap in the locker room. It serves as a reminder not only of the coach’s undisputed authority, but also of the need to put the collective interest before personal differences.
Mbappé, known for his strong temper, reportedly remained silent for a few moments after this scathing response, perhaps realizing the scope of his request and the firmness of Deschamps’ reaction. Several players praised the coach’s stance, believing it helped preserve the unity of the squad at a time when cohesion is essential. For many, this scene illustrates the sometimes invisible tensions that run through big teams, where egos must coexist for a common goal.
The French Football Federation declined to comment on the incident, merely stating that the team’s composition is the exclusive responsibility of the coaching staff. As for Mbappé, he remained discreet in the hours that followed, focusing on preparing for the match. However, this episode has rekindled the debate on the role of stars within a national team and the delicate balance coaches must maintain between authority and diplomacy. In any case, Deschamps’ response will have made an impression: on the pitch, only the blue jersey counts.
