This Monday, June 30, 2025, at 3:06 am in the morning of Vietnam, an unprecedented controversy shakes French football. Zinedine Zidane surprised the sports world by asking Didier Deschamps to withdraw the captain of the French team in Kylian Mbappé, after his recent performance deemed disappointing. In a shock declaration, the former legend of the Blues said: “He is too selfish and lacking combative spirit”, pointing to the behavior of the young attacker during the preparatory friendly matches for Euro 2025. This public outing, rare on the part of Zidane who generally avoids controversies, immediately triggered a firm response from Deschamps.
The incident follows Mbappé’s performance in the friendly match against Colombia on Sunday evening, where France was held in check 1-1. Despite a goal scored, the captain was criticized for individualistic choices and a lack of defensive involvement, elements that Zidane seems to have taken over. At 26, Mbappé is going through a period of doubt after his hectic transfer to Real Madrid and saws of saw with the Blues. Zidane’s request, which has successfully directed Real, perhaps reflects a different tactical vision, believing that the role of captain requires more collective leadership.
Deschamps’ response was quick. In an improvised press conference at 2:45, the coach defended his player, declaring: “Kylian remains my captain, his qualities surpass his weaknesses. “He added that Zidane criticism, although reckless, were” out of words “in the current context, stressing the importance of unity before the euro. This public exchange between two emblematic figures of French football surprised fans, especially in Vietnam, where European football is increasingly passionate, with inflamed debates on social networks.
Tension could affect the team’s dynamics, especially with the first game of the Euro against the Netherlands scheduled in a week. Mbappé, for his part, has not yet reacted, but his silence adds to uncertainty. Supporters wonder if this controversy will strengthen her determination or if she will mark a turning point in her career with the Blues. For the moment, attention is riveted on Deschamps, which will have to manage this crisis with diplomacy, while Zidane remains behind, leaving doubt about her intentions. French football enters a decisive period, when unity will be put to the test.
