France Angered by Kylian Mbappé: “He Prefers His Girlfriend Over the National Team”

France is in turmoil over Kylian Mbappé: “He prefers his girlfriend over the national team” The captain and most important player in Les Bleus left the national team’s camp in the United States and returned to Madrid because of “personal matters,” but pictures of him with his partner set the country abuzz.

Trouble at the top. After reaching the final in the last two World Cups, France arrived in the United States this week ahead of the start of the 2026 World Cup, but five days before its opening match against Senegal, the media is focusing on the storm caused by the team’s biggest star, Kylian Mbappé. It turns out the star left the national team camp and returned to Madrid with permission because of “personal matters,” but photos revealing that the matters were time spent with his partner, Ester Expósito, sparked heavy criticism.

Mbappé, who is expected to appear in his third World Cup, is the team’s biggest star and in the two previous tournaments scored 12 goals in 14 appearances. He is only four goals away from Miroslav Klose’s all-time scoring record, and after losing the 2022 Qatar final despite scoring a hat trick, he arrived in the United States determined to make amends and win the trophy for the second time in his career.

Mbappé in national team colors | Photo: Sport 5

But the time with his partner in Madrid drew plenty of criticism. Local media attacked him, writing: “Instead of preparing for the World Cup, Mbappé prefers spending time with his girlfriend rather than being with the national team. It is unacceptable that the captain does not put the team first.” On social media as well, many fans argued that the star chose his personal life over being with the national team just days before the tournament begins.

France will face Senegal in the group stage on 16.6, Iraq on 23.6, and will close the stage with an interesting and difficult match against Norway on 26.6. It is expected to advance to the next round and could already meet Austria or even world champion Argentina and Leo Messi in the round of 32.

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