Kylian Mbappé enters the latest France national team training camp facing scrutiny, as reports from L’Équipe confirm the Real Madrid forward is increasingly isolated from his long-standing inner circle.
With fixtures scheduled against Italy on 12 November and a home tie against Turkey on 15 November, all eyes remain fixed on Mbappé’s form and his role as captain of the national side.
France has begun its training camp under new boss Zinedine Zidane, who is expected to field Mbappé as an out-and-out striker rather than on the left wing.
That tactical experiment previously lasted less than an hour before a knee injury picked up during the first match in Turkey in September cut his time short and sent him back to his club early. September’s gathering left a lasting mark on the dressing room, revealing a more isolated player who has lost the close company he enjoyed at the World Cup.
At the World Cup, Mbappé was consistently surrounded by an inner circle that included Dembélé, Thuram, Oulis, and Chérki. However, relations have fractured significantly.
According to L’Équipe, Ousmane Dembélé never replied to a WhatsApp message from Mbappé attempting to smooth things over, leaving the France captain unable to understand the snub. The fallout with Dembélé has cut deep, and observers noted that Mbappé’s subsequent attempts to rescue the situation were sometimes read as opportunism.
The squad’s current dynamics are further complicated by absences. Marcus Thuram has withdrawn from the France squad due to a hamstring issue, dealing a blow to Mbappé given his close relationship with the Inter Milan player who frequently managed to bridge gaps within the group.
Mbappé also avoids the recent tension between Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain players, particularly concerning the Ballon d'Or. As a divisive captain, Mbappé recognizes that his leadership flows primarily from his production on the pitch.
He has previously united the team, such as during his time in the United States, and now he has to do it again as France prepares to face Italy and Turkey.
