Mbappe is facing criticism for missing his duty with the French national team despite being fit to play for Real.

France captain Kylian Mbappé is facing backlash in his home country for missing the Nations League matches against Israel and Belgium despite being available to play for Real Madrid. The forward sustained a muscle injury last month but returned to the pitch during the Champions League last Wednesday. France coach Didier Deschamps excluded Mbappé from the squad announced on Thursday, citing that the 25-year-old lacked adequate preparation due to having played too few matches.

Mbappé started Real's La Liga game against Villarreal on Saturday. "Either you're injured and don’t play for your club, which means you’re not called up to the national team," former France international Maxime Bossis remarked to French sports daily L'Equipe on Monday. 

"But when you come off the bench in the Champions League and start a league match, it raises questions. He’s a special player, much like Michel Platini, who we still wanted with us when he was injured."

The situation is further complicated by the fact that Mbappé, who recently took over the captaincy from Antoine Griezmann—who announced his retirement from international football last week—is expected to set an example as a leader. Griezmann’s dedication to the national team was unquestionable, as he played a record 84 consecutive matches for France between 2017 and 2024.

"As captain, [Mbappé] should be a role model for the fans, and he hasn't been," said Fabien Bonnet, spokesperson for the Irresistibles Francais, the main supporters' group in France. "What stands out is that the true captain, Antoine Griezmann, is now gone."

France, currently second in Group A, will face Israel in Budapest on Thursday before traveling to Belgium next Monday.