“One of the best in the world”: Mbappé praises Bayern star Upamecano | OneFootball

While Michael Olise has recently been making headlines with the French national team, another Bayern pro is now receiving widespread recognition. Ahead of the Équipe Tricolore’s World Cup opener, Dayot Upamecano is being showered with praise by none other than Kylian Mbappé.

The French national team is once again among the top favorites to win the title at the 2026 World Cup. With players like Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, William Saliba, and Aurélien Tchouaméni, the Équipe Tricolore boasts one of the strongest squads in the tournament.

Dayot Upamecano also plays a key role.

The FC Bayern center-back heads into the tournament with plenty of confidence after a strong season in Munich and is one of the undisputed starters on Didier Deschamps’ team.

Impressive stats with Upamecano

Current statistics impressively demonstrate just how important Upamecano has become for France. In the past 1,050 minutes of play during which the Bayern defender was on the field, France conceded only four goals.

The comparison without him is even more striking: In the last 816 minutes without Upamecano, the French national team conceded a total of 18 goals.

The numbers underscore the 27-year-old’s enormous influence on the stability of the French defense.

For Kylian Mbappé, this development comes as no surprise. In an interview with the French publication L’Équipe, the Real Madrid superstar had nothing but praise for his national teammate. “He’s in one of the best phases of his career. Dayot is among the very best defenders right now,” Mbappé explained.

The forward is particularly impressed by the consistency Upamecano has shown in recent months.

“He had a successful season, but beyond that, he performed consistently at a high level and really didn’t have any dips in form throughout the entire time,” emphasized the French captain.

„I like the mix of shyness and self-confidence“

Photo: Getty Images

Mbappé didn’t just praise the Bayern player’s athletic qualities. Upamecano also clearly enjoys great respect within the French team for his character. “I like that combination of shyness and self-confidence. At first he seemed very shy, but actually he’s also completely self-assured. It’s great to have him around,” Mbappé explained.

Statements like these highlight the importance the center-back has now within the Équipe Tricolore.

At FC Bayern, too, the Frenchman’s development is likely being followed with great satisfaction. After a few difficult phases in recent years, Upamecano has stabilized under Vincent Kompany and is now one of the key players in Munich’s defense.

His strong form was a decisive factor in the record champions’ successful season.

Now Upamecano wants to prove himself on the biggest stage in world soccer.

France kicks off the World Cup against Senegal, followed by Iraq and Norway in the group stage.

The goal is clear: to win the group and then go for the World Cup title.