Kylian Mbappé is set to return to the French national team for the Nations League matches against Croatia, having overcome personal struggles and past tensions with coach Didier Deschamps. After a challenging period, including missed penalties and legal issues, he has regained his confidence and form, scoring 31 goals in his debut season with Real Madrid. As he prepares to lead France, speculation grows about his future role in the team’s leadership.
Kylian Mbappé’s Comeback with the French National Team
Kylian Mbappé is making his much-anticipated return to the French national squad as they gear up for the Nations League matches against Croatia. His previous personal struggles and tensions with coach Didier Deschamps are now behind him.
Overcoming Adversity: Mbappé’s Journey
Recently, Kylian Mbappé faced an unprecedented challenge—a sporting crisis that shook his confidence. After failing to convert his second penalty within a week against Athletic Bilbao in December 2024 and contributing to a disappointing 1-2 loss, the Real Madrid forward expressed his devastation. However, this setback became a pivotal moment in his career.
Mbappé emerged as a central figure in the swirling controversy at Real Madrid, particularly following his missed penalty against FC Liverpool, which placed the reigning champions in a difficult situation. Beyond the realm of sport, he reflected, “I realized that I have to give everything for this jersey. I have to play with personality.” This revelation came after a series of unfortunate events, culminating in the incident against Bilbao, demonstrating that raw talent alone isn’t sufficient for success. Even the world’s elite footballers must combine their skills with relentless dedication, both physically and mentally.
His missed penalty served as a wake-up call, especially since Didier Deschamps had previously chosen not to include Mbappé in the national team twice during the previous fall. While there were athletic reasons behind these decisions, underlying tensions and personal challenges also played a role. Mbappé has been embroiled in legal disputes with his former club, Paris, and faced serious allegations, which were ultimately dismissed due to a lack of evidence.
Now, Mbappé is back to his best on the field, earning him a rightful place in the national team once again. “If there had been a break, I would never have responded to his calls. I arrive as if I had never been away,” he explained, addressing any potential misunderstandings with Deschamps. “I never broke contact with the coach; my relationship with him has not changed.” Despite admitting to some “disagreements,” Mbappé emphasized their insignificance, stating, “We celebrated successes together; our relationship cannot end up in the trash because of two or three disagreements that are not serious at all.” Deschamps always kept him informed about his status, reinforcing their ongoing communication.
With his impressive tally of 31 goals in his debut season for Real Madrid, Mbappé has proven himself indispensable once more. This remarkable achievement places him among the top scorers in his first season with the prestigious club, and he is on track to surpass Ivan Zamorano’s record of 37 goals from the 1992/93 season. The Madrid crowd is once again celebrating their star.
As Mbappé prepares to lead France as captain in the Nations League quarter-finals against Croatia (scheduled for March 20 and 23, 2025), Deschamps praised his resilience. “He has the right to have a phase where he is not doing well. Kylian is very connected to the French national team, even though he had a complicated personal phase. He has regained all his means, which is evident in his game and in his mind.”
Given Mbappé’s significance to the national team, speculation about his potential future as Deschamps’ successor is rampant. While many hope for Zinédine Zidane to take over post-2026 World Cup, Mbappé has previously referred to him as “my idol.” However, he remained noncommittal regarding whether Zidane would be his future coach, stating, “I know who I should talk about, but I will not talk about him because that is not my role.” He acknowledged the discussions surrounding Zidane but clarified that decisions regarding the coaching staff are not within his purview.
Behind closed doors, he may share his thoughts with federation president Philippe Diallo, as he looks to build on his legacy as a World Champion and guide the ‘Bleus’ to further successes in the coming year. With his recent resurgence, Kylian Mbappé, once a fallen hero, is ready to embark on a fresh journey.