PARIS — After being left out of previous matches, Kylian Mbappé has been called back to the France national team for their upcoming UEFA Nations League quarterfinal clash against Croatia. Coach Didier Deschamps announced the squad on Thursday, and Mbappé is anticipated to make his return in the first leg of the fixture, which is scheduled for next Thursday in Split. The teams will face off again three days later in the return leg at Stade de France.
Mbappé, a key player who clinched the World Cup in 2018, had been excluded from the squad for matches against Israel and Italy in November. At the time, Deschamps hinted that the decision was in the best interest of the team, citing physical and mental reasons for Mbappé’s omission. Prior to these matches, he had also sat out due to a minor thigh injury, despite managing to play for his club, Real Madrid. His last appearance for the national team, known as Les Bleus, was on September 9th in a Nations League match against Belgium.
The 26-year-old striker is cementing his status as one of France’s best, having scored an impressive hat trick in the 2022 World Cup final. He currently holds the third position on France’s all-time goal-scoring list with 48 goals, following behind legends Thierry Henry and Olivier Giroud who have 51 and 57 goals, respectively.
In addition to the recall of Mbappé, the French squad also sees a fresh face, with 19-year-old winger Désiré Doué from Paris Saint-Germain receiving his first call-up. This inclusion indicates Deschamps’ strategy of integrating younger talent into the national setup.
Previously in December, a rape investigation in Stockholm allegedly involving Mbappé was closed. During an interview, Mbappé expressed his surprise at the news of such allegations, revealing he had not been contacted by Swedish authorities regarding the matter.
