Kylian Mbappe is set to make his return to the French national team against Croatia after a six-month absence.
Les Bleus’ captain will lead the squad in Split for the first leg of their Nations League quarter-final on Thursday, with the second leg scheduled for Sunday at the Stade de France.
This marks Mbappe’s first start for France since their 3-1 defeat to Italy on September 6, a match that took place at Parc des Princes, the home ground of his former club, Paris Saint-Germain.
Reflecting on that period, Mbappe admitted that he did not manage the situation – which saw him come under scrutiny for asking to play only the important games for his country – well.
“I am lucid enough to know what I do well and what I don’t do well. I know people were not happy with what I was doing on and off the field, and I wasn’t doing them well,” Mbappe said during a pre-match press conference.
“I have no problem questioning myself. I have never had any problem with criticism when it is deserved and well-argued.”
Back in September, the French star was struggling for form both at Real Madrid and with the national team. At the time, he dismissed outside opinions, stating that they were “the least of my worries.”
Additionally, he previously downplayed concerns about returning to PSG’s stadium after his high-profile departure, which was marked by strained relations with the club’s management and supporters.
🇭🇷 Modrić vs Mbappé 🇫🇷#nationsleague pic.twitter.com/kzf4a89
— UEFA EURO (@UEFAEURO) March 20, 2025
Now, six months later, he acknowledges that some of the criticism he faced back then was justified.
“I didn’t play well against Italy and my [pre-match] news conference didn’t please people, because as captain I didn’t bring people together,” he admitted.
“I accept that, but now the most important thing is to move forward and not to repeat the same mistakes.”
There had been speculation about whether he would retain the captaincy, but following discussions with head coach Didier Deschamps, he has maintained his leadership role.
Mbappe was left out of France’s Nations League matches against Israel and Italy in November, with Deschamps stating at the time that “it’s better that way” given the forward’s physical and mental state.
His absence from a prior international window due to a minor thigh injury also sparked controversy, as he continued to play for Real Madrid despite being unavailable for national duty.
This led to frustration among French fans and raised questions about his priorities between club and country.
However, Mbappe has since rediscovered his form with Real Madrid and has been prolific this season, netting 31 goals in 44 appearances.
“I am feeling good, I feel happy to play football,” he said. “I am happy to be here to help the [France] team.”
