Kylian Mbappe Returns To French Squad After 6 Months Of Absence

JAKARTA - Kylian Mbappe was included in Didier Deschamps' squad on Thursday, March 13, 2025, for the quarter-finals of the UEFA Nations League, after more than six months of absence from the team. France will face Croatia on March 20 and 23, 2025.

Initially, there were doubts whether Mbappe would defend the captain's position, but Deschamps confirmed that he would.

"I spoke to him, I discussed it with him. He will be captain," said Deschamps.

The Real Madrid player did not participate in the UEFA Nations League match against Israel and Italy in November 2024, when Deschamps said Mbappe was struggling physically and mentally.

Mbappe was also absent from the previous meeting due to a minor thigh injury, but still played for Real Madrid. He last appeared for Les Bleus on September 9, 2024 against Belgium in the UEFA Nations League.

He scored three goals in the 2022 World Cup final. Mbappe is now third on France's all-time goalscoring list with 48 goals, behind Thierry Henry (51) and Olivier Giroud (57).

In December 2024, an investigation into the alleged rape in Stockholm, which Swedish media said focused on Mbappe, was canceled.

In an interview broadcast on French TV station Canal Plus, Mbappe said he had not even been contacted by Swedish authorities and he reacted with distrust when reports surfaced following his visit to Stockholm.

His teammate, Aurelien Tchouameni, who was absent from the last squad due to injury, will also be included, as will Ousmane Dembele of Paris Saint-Germain.

Eduardo Camavinga from Real Madrid and Jules Kunde from Barcelona, both regular players in the French squad, were also included.

Deschamps has also recruited PSG's young striker, Desire Doue, who according to the coach has shown great quality at his club and will qualify for his debut for the senior team at the age of 19.

Doue has impressed in recent weeks, using his speed and skills to have a good effect on PSG's win against Liverpool in the last 16 of the Champions League.

"He is a very young player, but he is a very attractive player for us," said Deschamps.

France will face Croatia in Split in the international break in the middle of next week with a second leg match on March 23, 2025 at the Stade de France.

French Squad in UEFA Nations League

Goalkeeper: Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Lucas Chevalier (ille), Brice Samba (Rennes)

Defenders: Jonathan Clauss (Nice), Jules Kunde (FC Barcelona), William Saliba (Arsenal), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich), Benjamin Pavard (Internationale), Theo Hernandez (AC Milan), Lucas Digne (Aston Villa)

Midfielder: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Matteo Guendouzi (Lazio), Manu Kone (AS Roma), Adrien Rabiot (Marseille), Warren Zare-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain)

Striker: Desire Doue (PSG), Bradley Barcola (PSG), Ousmane Dembele (PSG), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Randal Kolo Muani (Juventus), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan)