The president of the French Football Federation (FFF), Phillipe Diallo, has publicly extended his support to Kylian Mbappé, firmly defending the Real Madrid star against intense criticism regarding his absence from the national team and a subsequent trip to Dubai.
According to a report from Madrid Universal, Mbappé traveled to the Middle East for a few days to attend a Padel event after being released from the French squad late last week.
He was officially ruled out of the team’s match against Azerbaijan, which France “went on to win comfortably regardless,” due to an ankle inflammation.
Despite the clear-cut reason, the player faced “immense criticism from French media and the public who claimed that he was neglecting the national team for his personal agenda.”
Diallo released an official statement confirming the legitimacy of the injury: “Mbappe still feels an inflammation of his right ankle that requires examination. He will carry them out today in Madrid.”
He explained the decision to release the player was based on precaution, noting that the game against Azerbaijan “no longer had sporting value.”
Diallo added that Mbappé’s travel was no longer the federation’s concern:
“This is no longer a question that concerns the French team,” and noted that given coach Didier Deschamps’ rotation plans, Mbappé “might not have even started the game, or even he would not have returned to the field at all. So, for me, it’s a non-subject.”
The FFF president then vigorously condemned the scrutiny Mbappé faces:
“I would like to say all my support to Kylian Mbappe, because today, and this is not the first time it has happened, he is the subject of a form of harassment on his private life which is still incredible.”
Diallo concluded by urging the public to grant the star privacy, referencing incidents where “some took pictures of his labels on his luggage,” but also reaffirmed the team’s priority:
“No one is above the French team. The French team is above all.”