Didier Deschamps, the head coach of the French national football team, has decided to exclude Kylian Mbappé from the squad for upcoming matches against Israel and Italy, citing it as a better choice without providing detailed reasons. Amidst this controversy, concerns about Mbappé’s mental health, particularly under intense public scrutiny and personal challenges, have been raised by sports journalists. They suggest that Deschamps’ decision may be a protective measure for the young star, who is facing significant pressure at just 25 years old.
Didier Deschamps’ Controversial Decision
The football community was rocked by surprising news when Didier Deschamps, the head coach of the French national football team, announced that Kylian Mbappé would not be included in the squad for the upcoming matches in November. This means that the talented striker will miss the games against Israel and Italy on November 14 and 17. While the coach refrained from giving specific reasons for this decision, he made a brief statement: “Because I think it’s better this way. I’m not going to argue.”
In response to growing media curiosity and widespread disbelief, Deschamps elaborated slightly, saying, “What I can tell you is that Kylian Mbappé wanted to come. And secondly, it is not the off-field problems that come into play as long as the presumption of innocence exists.” Although he emphasized that this was a singular choice for the upcoming matches, many experts are questioning whether the controversy surrounding Mbappé is indeed the root of this decision.
Kylian Mbappé’s Mental Health Concerns
The immense pressure and scrutiny surrounding Kylian Mbappé have reached new heights, particularly given his young age of just 25. Balancing a demanding career alongside intense public expectations and professional responsibilities has proven to be challenging, especially amid the troubling allegations of sexual assault in Sweden. Experts in sports journalism, including Régis Testelin from L’Équipe and Benjamin Quarez from Le Parisien, have voiced their concerns regarding the impact of these factors on Mbappé’s mental health.
During a recent episode of L’équipe du soir, both journalists provided insights into Deschamps’ unexpected decision. They posited that it could serve as a protective measure for Mbappé, casting doubt on his current state of health. Testelin suggested that “depression” or “burnout” could be key factors to consider when evaluating Mbappé’s situation. He remarked, “If it is a matter of depression or burnout, it is medical confidentiality,” underscoring the importance of respecting even a high-profile athlete’s right to privacy regarding health issues.
Testelin further explained that understanding Mbappé’s challenges through the lens of potential depression allows for a more comprehensive view of his situation. The young star has faced numerous trials recently, dealing with increased pressure, harassment, and a decline in public favor caused by the allegations in Sweden, all while navigating the complexities of a significant career transition. He concluded, “At 25, it is normal for the cup to be full, and it can reach a medical breaking point.” Given that Mbappé has consistently performed at a high level and endured immense pressure over the years, these revelations raise important questions about athlete well-being in today’s competitive landscape.