Dembele defends Mbappe as the France captain faces scrutiny ahead of Senegal’s opener
France forward Ousmane Dembele has strongly defended captain Kylian Mbappe ahead of Les Bleus’ 2026 FIFA World Cup opener against Senegal. The Ballon d’Or winner has said criticism of the Real Madrid superstar is overblown and insists people often forget the human being behind one of football’s biggest names.
Mbappe enters the tournament under intense scrutiny despite another prolific campaign in front of goal. Speaking to Spanish newspaper Marca ahead of France’s opener, Dembele said much of the criticism aimed at his long-term team-mate had gone too far.
“The criticism of him is very, very unfair,” Dembele said.
“Some people take the criticism of Kylian too far. He is an incredible player and a very good person off the pitch.
The French winger also suggested that every aspect of Mbappe’s behavior is now under the microscope simply because of his position in the game.
“Some people overdo the criticism because he’s Kylian Mbappe. They shouldn’t go after him. Whether he ties his laces or not, whether he takes his socks off or not… it’s too much. He’s still a human being.”
“He is very good with us in the France team, he is a leader.
Mbappe is expected to spearhead France’s bid for a third World Cup title alongside Dembele as Didier Deschamps prepares for his final major tournament in charge of Les Bleus.
WHAT IS THE CRITICISM ABOUT MBAPPE?
Mbappe has remained one of the most watched footballers in the world since leaving Paris Saint-Germain for Real Madrid in 2024.
Although he continued to score regularly, Real Madrid had a disappointing season by their standards, finishing without a LaLiga title or a Champions League trophy. His leadership role in France also came into focus as he inherited the captaincy following the retirement of Hugo Lloris.
Dembele believes scrutiny has now reached the point where even minor details are becoming national issues and says criticism often goes beyond footballing matters.
MBAPPE, DEMBELE TO LEAD FRANCE TO 2026 WORLD CUP
France defender Lucas Hernandez has also backed Mbappe ahead of the tournament and believes the captain is ready to answer his critics on the biggest stage.
“Kylian is an extraordinary player,” Hernandez said.
“When you are Kylian Mbappe, everyone looks at everything you do, on and off the pitch. He is 100% motivated for the World Cup. Any criticism that has been made this season will be silenced.”
Mbappe and Dembele will once again carry France’s attacking hopes when Les Bleus open their World Cup campaign against Senegal. With Didier Deschamps set to retire after the tournament and France chasing a third World Cup title, the spotlight will inevitably be on their captain.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
13 Jun 2026 04:48 IST