AFCON 2025
France boss Didier Deschamps has dropped captain Kylian Mbappé from the squad for their upcoming Nations League matches against Israel and Italy, insisting it’s “for the best.”
This marks the second consecutive France squad Mbappe has missed, after also sitting out October’s double-header against Israel and Belgium.
“I have spoken with him and I have made the decision for this get-together because I think it is for the best,” Deschamps explained at a Paris press conference.
Mbappe initially missed last month’s matches due to a minor thigh injury sustained while playing for Real Madrid. However, controversy arose when he quickly returned to action for his club.
Since then, Mbappe has made four appearances for Real, scoring once, but has failed to regain the form that made him one of the best footballers on the planet.
“I don’t want to say any more about it. I stand by my decision,” Deschamps added firmly.
France, currently second in Group A2, hosts Israel on November 14 and faces leaders Italy in Milan three days later.
