Kylian Mbappe gets why Real Madrid won’t let him play in the Paris Olympics this summer.
The Spanish team has put its foot down, stopping a trio of French stars – Mbappe, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Eduardo Camavinga – from joining the under-23s Olympic squad, which also has spots for older players. Amid whispers about his future as he waved goodbye to Paris Saint-Germain, the 25-year-old soccer sensation confirmed his switch to Madrid earlier in the month ahead of Euro 2024.
Mbappe’s leap to the Champions League victors on a freebie was anything but cheap. He penned a five-year deal raking in $16.2 million annually, not to mention the huge signing bonus rumored to be somewhere between $130 million and $162 million.
When quizzed about Real Madrid blocking his Olympic dreams, La Liga’s hotshot wasn’t bitter. “My club’s position is very clear and I understand that,” he said. “I will not be there. I understand my club’s position as I am a newcomer. I hope we win the Games.”
With his sights set on Euro 2024, Mbappe is all about bagging wins this summer, brushing off any fitness worries. “I’m ready to win, it’s more of a mental issue,” he declared. “My head is perfect, now let’s see how my legs are.”
Mbappe with France coach Didier Deschamps ( Image: FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
Mbappe’s position in the upcoming tournament remains up in the air as France gears up to start their campaign on Monday against Austria, facing a challenging group that includes the Netherlands and Poland. He could play as a striker or winger.
The Netherlands have already set a high bar with a 2-1 victory, courtesy of goals from Cody Gakpo and Wout Weghorst, putting the pressure on Les Bleus to deliver a comparable performance. However, Mbappe is open to playing in any position.
Expressing his readiness to adapt, he said: “I have spoken with the coach and he has told me that I can play in several positions this time and that it is not a problem. It doesn’t matter where I play because I am ready to play and adapt.”
