Player’s commitment or fitness not a concern for manager Alvaro Arbeloa
Kylian Mbappe has rejected claims that he is prioritising international duty with France over his commitments at Real Madrid.
In Spain, the forward had been accused of managing his workload to stay fresh for the upcoming World Cup while missing a crucial run of fixtures for his club. Mbappe dismissed the idea.
“Yes, of course I want to win with Real,” said the 27-year-old. “We’re still competing in La Liga and the Champions League. In the Champions League, we’re going to face a big team [Bayern], probably the most in-form side, and if there’s one team that can beat them, it’s Real Madrid.”
Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has also backed the player, insisting there are no concerns over his fitness or commitment.
“I see no problem with him going with his national team,” said Arbeloa. “If they call them up, it’s because they are very good.
As captain of France, Mbappe also reflected on the team’s development since their defeat to Argentina in the 2022 World Cup final.
“We have more talent, more potential, but are we stronger? I don’t know,” Mbappe said. “The results will tell us. But when you see how the players perform, there’s a lot to look forward to. It’s exciting.
“But to be considered strong, you have to win and prove it on the pitch. I’ve seen talented France teams that didn’t win. In the end, only victory matters.
He also dismissed suggestions that being labelled favourites could be an issue for the squad.
“No, it’s not dangerous because you can be brought back down very quickly,” Mbappe said. “Senegal will come at us hard if we think we’re world champions from the start, and we’ll come back down to earth fast. That’s not the team’s mentality.
“We have that carefree attitude because we’re a young group, but we’re also aware that there’s still a lot to do just to reach the ultimate goal. There will be the first competition with the group stage, and then a second one with the knockout phase.”
Mbappe’s role within the national team has evolved over time, according to the forward, and he has taken on greater responsibility.
“I fully understand the role the coach and the players expect from me, the space they want me to occupy. [What I have learned from this role is] that I need to go to more press conferences,” he joked.
“Before, I was the young talent, the cherry on top. Then I became an important player, the star everyone focuses on. People take care of you. And now, in 2026, I’m the one who has to take care of everyone. It feels strange talking like an old man.”
