Mbappe informs France of selective availability with focus on winning Ballon d’Or in 2025 | OneFootball

In a major development, Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe has informed the French national team that he wishes to participate only in important matches, as he sets his sights on claiming the prestigious Ballon d’Or in 2025, reports Santi Aouna.

The Real Madrid superstar’s absence from France’s current international fixtures has raised eyebrows and sparked controversy.

While initially attributed to an injury, the Real Madrid forward’s subsequent appearance in a league match against Villarreal contradicted this explanation.

Adding fuel to the fire, the French forward was spotted at a nightclub in Stockholm while his compatriots were competing against Israel.

Strategic decision

However, sources close to the player reveal that Mbappe’s limited international involvement is part of a calculated strategy.

The 25-year-old phenom, who has already achieved World Cup glory with Les Bleus, is now laser-focused on individual accolades, particularly the Ballon d’Or.

Mbappe did not join the France NT in the current international break. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

As per the report, Mbappe has made it clear that his priority for the coming year is to win the Ballon d’Or and as such had already informed the France camp that he would be unavailable this month.

He believes that by carefully managing his appearances and focusing on high-profile matches, he can maximise his impact and strengthen his case for the award, while reducing the risk of getting injured.

Federation’s Dilemma

The French Football Federation (FFF) finds itself in a delicate position, balancing the desires of its biggest star with the team’s needs. While Mbappe’s talent is undeniable, his selective availability could pose challenges to team cohesion and tactical preparation.

France’s head coach, Didier Deschamps, offered a diplomatic response when questioned about the situation surrounding Mbappe earlier this week, saying:

“One must prioritise the interest of the player without putting him in difficulties with his club,” declared Deschamps.

“The interests of clubs and the interests of national teams necessarily diverge at some point, and we must not forget that the employer is the club, not the Federation.”

Whether Mbappe’s strategy will pay off in the form of a Ballon d’Or remains to be seen, but it is bound to raise a lot of eyebrows, more so considering that he is the captain of the French national team.