It’s Punishment’: Riola Explains Mbappe's Omission from France Squad by Deschamps

French football journalist Daniel Riolo has claimed that Kylian Mbappe's omission from the national team squad by coach Didier Deschamps is a form of punishment. This marks the second consecutive time Mbappe has been left out, following his absence in October due to a reported thigh injury, which raised eyebrows given his subsequent appearances for Real Madrid.

 Riolo stated that Deschamps' decision to exclude Mbappe is a "sanction" rather than a mere tactical choice. He emphasized that this decision reflects underlying issues within the team dynamics and Mbappe's recent controversies, including public scrutiny related to a rape investigation in Sweden.

The coach described the omission as a "one-off" decision made after discussions with Mbappe, asserting that it was not influenced by non-sporting reasons. Deschamps aims to isolate the team from distractions surrounding the player, especially as public sentiment towards Mbappe has shifted negatively.

Despite being the captain and having a stellar record with the national team, including 48 goals in 86 appearances, Mbappe's position has become precarious amid his struggles at Real Madrid and the controversies affecting his reputation.

This situation raises questions about team cohesion and leadership within the French national squad as they prepare for upcoming Nations League matches against Israel and Italy. Deschamps' bold decision to exclude such a prominent player may have significant ramifications for both Mbappe's career and the team's performance moving forward.