Kylian Mbappe Reaccepted In The French National Team

JAKARTA - Kylian Mbappe will return to the French National Team in March 2025 for the UEFA Nations League quarter-final match against Croatia.

The 26-year-old striker, who has played for Les Bleus 86 times, was not included in the squad for the UEFA Nations League matches in October and November 2024 after signing contracts with Real Madrid in July 2024.

"Of course he's going to be there. Why not? Yes, for very specific reasons (he's not here), but he's going to be there if nothing happens to him between now and then."

"He is very attached to the French National Team even though he is experiencing a complicated private period."

"He's back to full fitness and you can see it in his game and in his mind," Deschamps told L'Equipe.

The football calendar has been a growing concern for players, including Mbappe, with more and more games potentially causing injury.

However, Mbappe said in December 2024 that he was committed to France even though he had previously been absent.

Deschamps cited Mbappe's adaptation period with Real Madrid as one of the reasons not to call him during the international break.

"A little vacation, a little preparation, six complicated months in Paris, back pain, broken nose at the Euros."

"These things clearly have athletic and psychological consequences, not to mention their adjustments to Real Madrid."

"It did take time, but it happened because he did everything he needed," said Deschamps.

Meanwhile, Deschamps provided an overview in theante room regarding Mbappe's absence yesterday.

He said that the leadership of the attacker as captain of Les Blues was not a problem for the team.

"There is always an internal, individual or collective discussion. The previous international break did not question his leadership."

"I have no reason today to say that he will not captain in March 2025."

"However, I will discuss with him, as we often do," said the coach again.

Deschamps, who is the coach of the French National Team with the longest term of office. He will leave his post when his contract expires after the 2026 World Cup.

French Football Federation (FFF) president Philippe Diallo said it was too early to appoint a replacement.

However, Deschamps has floated a name that became the successor. He thought Zinedine Zidane would be the right successor.

"Zizou (Zidane) is a very strong candidate, a natural candidate. I add, the expected candidate. After that, it's up to him and the President of FFF."

"There is a lot of respect between us. We last met in the summer of 2023. We plan to meet again next summer," said Deschamps.