News Focus
- Ousmane Dembele backs France captain Kylian Mbappe over heavy media criticism
- Paris Saint-Germain winger calls treatment of Real Madrid striker excessive and unjust
- Dembele praises outgoing coach Didier Deschamps and welcomes potential Zinedine Zidane appointment
- Both players are set to feature in France’s World Cup opener against Senegal
France winger Ousmane Dembele has strongly defended his national team captain, Kylian Mbappe. He says the negative comments about the Real Madrid striker have become excessive.
Dembele told Spanish newspaper Marca that the criticism is very unfair. The attacks have come from both Spain and France. Real Madrid did not win any trophies last season. Mbappe also became France captain in 2023.
“Some people go too far,” Dembele said. He described Mbappe as an amazing player and a kind person off the pitch. The Paris Saint-Germain forward believes critics attack Mbappe simply because he is famous. He gave examples of people complaining about small things like shoelaces and socks.
“He is still a human being,” Dembele explained. “With the national team, he is a great leader.”
Dembele is having an excellent year. He helped Paris Saint-Germain win the Champions League. This success means he could win the Ballon d’Or. Mbappe moved from PSG to Real Madrid in 2024.
Both players are expected to start when France play their first World Cup match against Senegal on Tuesday. They will also face Iraq and Norway in the group stage.
Dembele also spoke about manager Didier Deschamps. The coach will leave after the World Cup following many years in charge. Dembele called him an exceptional manager and a legend.
Deschamps led France to World Cup victory in 2018 and the final in 2022. Dembele played in both matches. He scored in the 2018 win against Croatia. Mbappe scored three goals in the 2022 final.
Dembele also said he would welcome Zinedine Zidane as the new coach. Zidane won the World Cup as a player with Deschamps in 1998. He has been linked with the France job for a long time.
“We hope to see him on the bench one day,” Dembele said. “I am sure he would do a fantastic job.” Zidane has refused to talk about the job while Deschamps is still the coach.