France National Football Team and Real Madrid CF striker Kylian Mbappe was at the receiving end of the criticism as he was spotted in a nightclub on the night when his national side was playing against Israel in the UEFA Nations League 2024-25 match. The striker opted not to participate in the match to recover from an injury sustained in September. Interestingly, Mbappe had already played for Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League and also started in the La Liga match before France’s match against Israel. Moreover, he was spotted in a nightclub in Sweden during the national team’s fixture. Many fans and pundits criticised Mbappe for his decisions. 'Kylian Mbappe Could Face Mental Strain', Says Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate As French Teammate Expresses Concern for Real Madrid Striker Amid Criticism Ahead of UEFA Nations League 2024–25.

Mbappe, who joined Real Madrid CF in the 2024 summer transfer window was under scrutiny for his ‘selective’ game-time and also performances at both international and domestic levels. With recent report of him being at the nightclub on matchday just intensified the criticism. But the France National Football Team head coach and team players supported Mbappe saying ‘he has days off; he can do what he wants’

Kylian Mbappe Gets Support From Didier Deschamps and France Teammates

As soon as Mbappe’s nightclub visit reports surfaced, the media tried to get reactions from the France football team head coach Didier Deschamps. Negating the rumours of a ‘rift’ between the player and him, Deschamps said, "I have no doubt about Kylian's commitment but he was not in the best condition during the last gathering. He has a problem which is not serious but he needs treatment to recover properly. I am not here to take risks. That is why Kylian is not here." France National Football Team Head Coach Didier Deschamps Outraged by Kylian Mbappe: Report.

Kylian Mbappe’s France National Football Teammates also showed support to their captain. Defender Fofana said, "People can do what they want with their free time. It isn't something we [the France squad] have talked about today, I hadn't heard about this story. He does what he wants; he is a great guy and a great professional. Are we making too much of it? I don't know. He's the best French player, so it's normal that it is very publicized”

Midfielder Matteo Guendouzi also sided with Mbappe. He said, "We have no doubts about Kylian. ... There is no question about his passion [for his country. He loves his country; he will continue to help us. We must stop talking about it too much.”

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 14, 2024 10:02 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).