Kylian Mbappé Already in Leader Mode with Les Bleus, Training at Full Intensity and First to Defend His Teammates
Kylian Mbappé is approaching the next major international tournament as France captain with calm, confidence and a strong sense of responsibility. With 96 caps, two World Cups and two European Championships behind him, he is now leading a squad that appears to appreciate the mood of this pre-tournament camp more than some of the others he has experienced. Over the past six days at Clairefontaine, Mbappé has settled into his role as the emotional and sporting leader of the French team, regularly speaking with teammates, helping preserve squad unity and defending the interests of all 26 players while discussions continue with French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo over bonuses and the number of family seats available during the competition.
Coach Didier Deschamps said Mbappé is in excellent physical and mental condition, stressing that club football and international football are different and that the forward understands what a World Cup requires. The camp began with demanding physical conditioning under Cyril Moine, but the atmosphere improved once ball work resumed. Mbappé, whose last match for Real Madrid was on May 23, quickly rediscovered his enjoyment of playing, and the training sessions soon became lively, competitive and full of teasing among teammates.
During a small-sided game, Mbappé found himself on the receiving end of jokes from Marcus Thuram and Lucas Digne. Thuram, after scoring twice, joked that his son wanted Mbappé’s shirt, while Digne mocked the captain about having a “complaints office.” Mbappé, who still hates losing in training at age 27, responded by arguing that Thuram had been offside on the goal. Thuram laughed and denied it, but the exchange reflected the relaxed and playful atmosphere in the squad.
Mbappé then moved to the finishing drill, where his sharpness stood out. In the exercise, players must control passes delivered from the side and shoot quickly at one of the goalkeepers, continuing as long as they score. Mbappé excelled, scoring repeatedly and showing his usual efficiency in front of goal. Rayan Cherki joked with staff member Nicolas Piry about the quality of his passes, prompting more laughter when a harder ball from Piry led Mbappé to miss. Cherki teased him, and Mbappé replied with a grin that ten straight goals would be hard to beat.
Beyond the lighthearted moments, Mbappé is also taking a serious role in negotiations with federation president Philippe Diallo. The team is unhappy with the plan to reduce the number of match tickets allocated to players for relatives and friends. Mbappé, alongside other senior players, has been acting as a defender of the group’s concerns. Another meeting with Diallo is scheduled before the squad’s departure for the United States next Wednesday.
The following day, France welcomed President Emmanuel Macron and his wife for the traditional pre-World Cup visit. Mbappé and his teammates also used the occasion to stage a small gesture by placing Mohamed Sanhadji, the team’s security officer, next to the presidential couple in the official photo, knowing his attachment to republican symbols. The captain is determined to keep the camp united and to make the journey to the tournament a positive one.
