Kylian Mbappé: a name that speaks volumes, of expectations and of pressure. The young French star, key protagonist of countless victories, now finds himself in a sensitive phase in which an inevitable question is asked: to what extent does this drought affect not only his image but also the future of the French national team under Didier Deschamps? Five games in a row without a goal, and with criticism piled upon him. But is this drought indicative of something bigger, or is it just part of a natural transition period?
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Mbappé under pressure: The savaging and the demand
This year, Mbappé has found the net only twice in 11 games for France. The fans and press are relentless. When a player the caliber of Mbappé goes this long without scoring, the savaging comes fast and furious. That, after all, is the Messiah, the man who rises to the occasion when his team needs him most. Still, after dealing with such situations for years, this was all cool as cucumber stuff for Didier Deschamps. "France will always be stronger with him, and I'm convinced he'll be better a month from now," said the coach after their 2-0 win over Belgium.
Deschamps is unworried, trusting that Mbappé will go back to being one of the best, considering also the kind of pressure at Real Madrid. On a real level, soccer has no patience for anyone, and the pressure of carrying a national team is heavy. When he fails to score, the questions are many: is he tired? Too focused on his club? Or is it simply one of those moments, just like for everybody else?
The Nations League and France's disappointment
The 3-1 defeat against Italy in Paris was the proverbial nail in the coffin of this international break. Mbappé, though coming off the bench in the second half against Belgium, had some decent chances but couldn't break his drought. The French national team didn't impress altogether. Journalist Daniel Riolo from RMC Sport was not holding back: "Mbappé has saved Deschamps' skin since the 2022 World Cup. Today, Mbappé is mediocre, and the French team isn't good".
Riolo went on to underline how the already fragile success of Deschamps depended directly on Mbappé's game. After their triumph in the 2018 World Cup, Mbappé was the man to look for, a player who would get results in crucial matches single-handedly. And now, when his form has fallen short of expectations, the team appears lost and without an identity or an inspiring leader.
Mbappé's reaction to the criticism
What does Mbappé say about all that? During the recent press conference, the forward was straightforward: "I show up, play, and try to do my best to help the team. What people think is the least of my worries." This attitude can very well define where he currently stands regarding his career. It took him only until the age of 25 to reach such heights, and now he seems focused on himself and his personal goals without being bothered by criticisms hurled at him.
But is this a positive attitude? For some, it's a confidence boost; for others, it's arrogance or detachment. On the ranks of his most vocal critics was Bixente Lizarazu, the winner of the 1998 World Cup. The former player didn't like the tone used by Mbappé, who in his view should have shown more sensitivity to the situation and the supporters.
Looking ahead
Considering France sit second in Group 2 of the Nations League, behind Italy, Mbappé's immediate future with the national side has taken on new significance. Fresh opportunities to rediscover that touch will come in October against Israel and Belgium, with perhaps quieting his critics again. If the fall-off continues, though, the pressure on both Deschamps and Mbappé will only mount.
The future of Mbappé in the French team is yet to be written, and how he overcomes this period will seal his legacy and the route the team will take.