Mbappé hails Dayot Upamecano as one of the best before France’s World Cup opener | OneFootball

Mbappé hails Dayot Upamecano as one of the best before France’s World Cup opener | OneFootball

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·16 June 2026

Mbappé hails Dayot Upamecano as one of the best before France’s World Cup opener

Article image:Mbappé hails Dayot Upamecano as one of the best before France’s World Cup opener

France captain Kylian Mbappé has hailed Bayern Munich centre-back Dayot Upamecano ahead of Les Bleus’ 2026 FIFA World Cup opener. France return among the favourites after winning in 2018 and falling just short in 2022.

“He is going through one of the best periods of his career. Dayot is currently one of the very best defenders in the world,” he told L’Équipe.


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“He had an excellent campaign, but more importantly, he maintained a very high level throughout and hardly experienced any drop in form,” he added.

“I really like that mix of shyness and self-confidence. At first glance, he seems reserved, but in reality he’s very sure of himself. He’s a great person to have around,” Mbappé said.

The Bayern defender arrives at the tournament full of confidence after an impressive season in Munich and has established himself as a key figure in Didier Deschamps’ starting XI.

France begin their campaign against Senegal, then face Iraq and Norway in the group stage.

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