Claude Atcheba

Kylian Mbappé, one of football’s biggest stars, finds himself at the center of a growing debate. After missing national team duties with France due to a muscle injury, he still managed to play for Real Madrid in both La Liga and the Champions League. Should he be suspended for Real Madrid’s next match? Some say yes, and here’s why.

The Club vs. Country Dilemma

Mbappé’s situation has reignited a common issue in football: the balance between club and country. After suffering a hamstring injury, he sat out France’s Nations League games against Israel and Belgium. However, he played for Real Madrid just days later against Lille in the Champions League and Villarreal in La Liga. The inconsistency is apparent: if a player is fit enough to perform for his club, why not for his country? It’s a question that raises eyebrows, and many feel that Mbappé’s availability for club games while skipping international duties seems contradictory​(L’Equipe du 03.10.2024)​(L’Equipe du 07.10.2024).

The Bigger Picture: Responsibility to the National Team

French football fans expect their stars to show up when needed, especially the captain. Mbappé’s absence from the national squad, while understandable due to injury concerns, still frustrates many, particularly given that players like Antoine Griezmann have previously played through difficult circumstances. As France’s captain, Mbappé holds a special role that goes beyond his talent on the field; it’s about leadership and setting an example​(L’Equipe du 07.10.2024)​(L’Equipe du 08.10.2024).

Veteran footballers like Maxime Bossis have weighed in, pointing out the mixed message it sends when Mbappé plays for Real but skips international duty. Others, like Luis Fernandez, understand the physical demands placed on a player like Mbappé, who competes at the highest level with limited recovery time. Still, this has left a cloud of confusion around the situation​(L’Equipe du 07.10.2024).

Modern Football: Clubs Are King

Mbappé’s situation also reflects a larger trend in modern football where clubs, due to their immense financial stakes, prioritize player health and availability during the season. Real Madrid, for instance, has a vested interest in keeping Mbappé fit for the grueling schedule ahead. This often leads to players prioritizing club over country, as seen with other top stars like Karim Benzema and even Chelsea’s recent handling of key players​(L’Equipe du 08.10.2024).

For football purists, however, the commitment to the national team should come first. If a player like Mbappé can take to the field for Real Madrid, then fans believe he should also be ready for Les Bleus.

Conclusion: Time for a Suspension?

In the eyes of many fans and pundits, Mbappé’s situation presents a valid case for suspension from Real Madrid’s next game. The principle is simple: consistency in player availability is key. If he was rested for France, then perhaps he should be rested for Madrid, too. This would not only set a fair precedent but also demonstrate that club and country commitments are equally valued.