Kylian Mbappe has been recalled to the France squad after being left out by manager Didier Deschamps for the past two international breaks.
The Real Madrid star is in line to feature in France’s Nations League quarter-final against Croatia.
Mbappe was was not named in the Les Bleus squad for the October internationals as Deschamps said he did not want to take a “risk” on the forward’s fitness.
Deschamps then said he was leaving the captain out of his November selection as a “one-0ff” but continued to play for Real Madrid throughout this period.
He will retain the captaincy as France take on Croatia in Split on March 20, before the return leg on March 23.
“Yes, he will be captain,” said Deschamps when asked about the Real Madrid man’s status with Les Bleus. “I had an exchange with him, and I already said yes. It’s not my style to go into detail about those exchanges we had.”
REAL MADRID C.F. 🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍 pic.twitter.com/zBTg9Ndjhg
— Kylian Mbappé (@KMbappe) March 12, 2025
Deschamps then outlined Mbappé’s role with the media, adding “It’s not me who refuses interviews with the players, but the players themselves.
“Media obligations take up space and Kylian fulfils his obligations even if he doesn’t often speak to the press. It also takes a lot of energy and there can be risks on certain issues and subjects.
“Kylian knows and it’s very good that there are obligations. He will be involved in the two press conferences that we will have.“
“He isn’t running away from it,” added Deschamps. “He hasn’t been to every single press conference but it takes a lot of energy as well and the risks and consequences that can happen with responses he can have from the questions you ask as well.”
France squad
Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Brice Samba (Lens), Lucas Chevalier (Lille).
Defenders: Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Theo Hernandez (AC Milan), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich), Jonathan Clauss (Nice), Benjamin Pavard (Inter), Jules Kounde (Barcelona).
Midfielders: Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Matteo Guendouzi (Lazio), Adrien Rabiot (Marseille), Warren Zaire-Emery (PSG), Manu Kone (Roma).
Forwards: Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan), Bradley Barcola (PSG), Desire Doue (PSG) Randal Kolo Muani (PSG), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan), Ousmane Dembele (PSG).
