Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe is already one of the best World Cup players ever and always finds a way to turn up at the marquee tournament.
The 2026 World Cup has been no different, with the Madrid attacker going toe-to-toe with Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race.
Mbappe scored France’s only goal against Paraguay last night from the spot, helping his side secure a narrow win in a tense affair and set up a date with Morocco in the quarter-finals.
After the game, Les Bleus manager Didier Deschamps strongly defended Kylian Mbappe after fresh debate around the Real Madrid forward’s image and leadership.
Speaking to the media, Deschamps rejected the idea that Mbappe behaves like an overpowering figure inside the squad.
As quoted by Fabrizio Romano, he said: “You guys make Kylian Mbappe seem like a dictator… the reality is the opposite.”
Deschamps hails Mbappe’s leadership. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
France follow their captain
Deschamps went further, insisting that the public image around Mbappe does not match what France experience internally.
He said: “His public image does not reflect reality at all. Kylian has always been mature and the whole team follows him.”
Deschamps clearly sees him as a captain who carries responsibility, not someone who divides the group. He added:
“I am so happy to have Kylian as captain. Whenever he speaks on and off the pitch, he represents the whole group.”
Real Madrid will value this version
This matters for Real Madrid because Mbappe is not just expected to score goals. He is expected to be one of the faces of Mourinho’s new project.
Setting the standard. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
The debate after the Paraguay match focused on tension, provocation and his refusal to shake hands with Orlando Gill. However, Deschamps’ words shift the picture back towards leadership.
Real Madrid need an Mbappe who can handle pressure, represent the group and still deliver on the pitch. France believe they already have that player.
Of course, Mbappe’s personality will always attract noise. That comes with his status. However, the people closest to the dressing room seem to trust him completely.
Los Blancos will be hoping that they get this France version of Mbappe in their dressing room next season, if they have not already.
For now, it is a matter of prestige for the Spanish giants that one of their superstars is making his name as a global icon, and it remains to be seen whether he can lead France to the World Cup.
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