At 5:31 pm this Monday, June 9, 2025, Vietnam time, a new controversy ignited French football after explosive statements by Lilian Thuram, the former legendary defender of the Blues. Thuram criticized Didier Deschamps for allowing Kylian Mbappé to keep the captain’s armband in the recent 5-4 defeat against Spain in a friendly match. According to Thuram, Mbappé’s attitude on the ground was too casual and lacked commitment, an accusation that shocked fans. He also targeted another PSG player without naming him, accusing him of contributing to the level of the team. However, Deschamps retaliated with firmness that immediately reduced Thuram to silence.
The match against Spain, played yesterday at the Stade de France, was marked by a reversing scenario, with the Blues bowing after leading 4-2. Mbappé, despite a double, was criticized for individualistic choices and a lack of defensive efforts, especially in the last minutes when Spain has scored three goals. Thuram, known for his frank positions, said in an interview with France Football: “Mbappé plays as if it were above all, and it harms the team. As for this PSG player, he must wake up. These words have rekindled the tensions around the leadership of Mbappé, especially after his transfer to Real Madrid.
Deschamps’ response was quick. At a press conference this afternoon, the coach defended his player with a scathing authority: “Lilian should focus on his past rather than judging my team. Kylian is our captain, and I decide. This replica not only disarmed Thuram, who did not reply, but also strengthened Deschamps’ position in the face of increasing criticism. The fans are divided: some support Thuram, believing that Mbappé must assume more responsibilities, while others salute the firmness of Deschamps.
On social networks, hashtags #THURAMVSDESCHAMPS and #MBAPPepitaine dominate trends, with thousands of comments. The name of the PSG player targeted by Thuram remains a mystery, but speculations point to Ousmane Dembélé, whose irregular performance has been noted. This controversy occurs at a delicate moment for the Blues, which are preparing for the qualifications of the 2026 World Cup. The relationship between Deschamps and its former teammates, like Thuram, seems to have deteriorated, adding a layer of complexity to the management of the team.
For the moment, Deschamps must navigate between these internal tensions and the expectations of the supporters, while Mbappé is called to prove its value as a leader. Thuram, for its part, risks losing part of its credibility if it does not support its accusations. This case could mark a turning point in the dynamics of the Blues, but one thing is certain: the debate on leadership and the commitment remains at the heart of discussions in French football.
At 5:31 pm this Monday, June 9, 2025, Vietnam time, a new controversy ignited French football after explosive statements by Lilian Thuram, the former legendary defender of the Blues. Thuram criticized Didier Deschamps for allowing Kylian Mbappé to keep the captain’s armband in the recent 5-4 defeat against Spain in a friendly match. According to Thuram, Mbappé’s attitude on the ground was too casual and lacked commitment, an accusation that shocked fans. He also targeted another PSG player without naming him, accusing him of contributing to the level of the team. However, Deschamps retaliated with firmness that immediately reduced Thuram to silence.
The match against Spain, played yesterday at the Stade de France, was marked by a reversing scenario, with the Blues bowing after leading 4-2. Mbappé, despite a double, was criticized for individualistic choices and a lack of defensive efforts, especially in the last minutes when Spain has scored three goals. Thuram, known for his frank positions, said in an interview with France Football: “Mbappé plays as if it were above all, and it harms the team. As for this PSG player, he must wake up. These words have rekindled the tensions around the leadership of Mbappé, especially after his transfer to Real Madrid.
Deschamps’ response was quick. At a press conference this afternoon, the coach defended his player with a scathing authority: “Lilian should focus on his past rather than judging my team. Kylian is our captain, and I decide. This replica not only disarmed Thuram, who did not reply, but also strengthened Deschamps’ position in the face of increasing criticism. The fans are divided: some support Thuram, believing that Mbappé must assume more responsibilities, while others salute the firmness of Deschamps.
On social networks, hashtags #THURAMVSDESCHAMPS and #MBAPPepitaine dominate trends, with thousands of comments. The name of the PSG player targeted by Thuram remains a mystery, but speculations point to Ousmane Dembélé, whose irregular performance has been noted. This controversy occurs at a delicate moment for the Blues, which are preparing for the qualifications of the 2026 World Cup. The relationship between Deschamps and its former teammates, like Thuram, seems to have deteriorated, adding a layer of complexity to the management of the team.
For the moment, Deschamps must navigate between these internal tensions and the expectations of the supporters, while Mbappé is called to prove its value as a leader. Thuram, for its part, risks losing part of its credibility if it does not support its accusations. This case could mark a turning point in the dynamics of the Blues, but one thing is certain: the debate on leadership and the commitment remains at the heart of discussions in French football.
