Kylian Mbappe may be the most scrutinised athlete on the planet for the next month, but he’s taking it in his stride.
The France captain comes off a trophyless campaign with Real Madrid which saw fans turn on him over a lack of committment.
He’s now facing similar complains with France, but he’s at least dodging it in amusing fashion.
Speaking before his side kick-off their campaign at the 2026 World Cup, against Senegal on Tuesday, he still wasn’t sure if their opponents had won AFCON.
Senegal won the 2026 final on the pitch, but had the result overturned in Morocco’s favour due to their full-time walk off, and they’re now appealing.
So who won AFCON?
Asked about the opener, he said: “This is the World Cup. They’re African champions… I don’t know if it’s Senegal or Morocco.
“They’re a great team. It’s great to start against them. I know there’s a history between Senegal and France. It’s going to add more spice to the match.
“It’s going to be a great game in New York. The kids will be able to watch it at 9:00 PM and won’t have gone to bed yet. It’s fun to start like this. We have to dispel any doubts that might arise and we have to win.”
Later, he was asked about his relationship with France coach Didier Deschamps who leaves at the end of the tournament, and is being linked with other countries.
Mbappe wants Deschamps to retire
“He’s changed a lot, he’s more adaptable,” Mbappe said.
“It surprises me. It proves his incredible ability to reinvent himself every time.
“There’s a new generation coming in with different rules, and he’s never been overwhelmed by it.
“We’re going to try to enjoy him as much as possible and pay tribute to him.
“Hopefully, this will be his last World Cup, and he won’t play in it again with another team.
“I saw they mentioned Italy, but that would be awful. Argentina? No way! He means too much to us as Frenchman.”
Finally, Mbappe attempted to dispel claims about perceived selfishness, saying he wouldn’t mind if his scoreless streak continued if it meant France won the tournament.
“I would do it quickly. I would sign up for that,” he said. “I would be the first to celebrate it on the Champs-Élysées.
“I’m very happy to be playing in this World Cup and to help the young players, especially in the emotional aspect.
“I’m not going to teach my teammates how to play football given the quality of the team. You have to know how to manage the pressure.
“We want everyone to arrive at the World Cup in their best condition. And building a team isn’t easy.”
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