The France national team coach has rejected claims that the Real Madrid forward lacks effort for the national team
Didier Deschamps has strongly defended Kylian Mbappé against criticism of his work rate, insisting the France captain is neither selfish nor failing his team, even if his contribution does not fit conventional running metrics.
The France head coach addressed the idea that Mbappé is the only player in the squad who does not run for the team.
Deschamps dismissed that view immediately, opening with a light-hearted response before making his stance clear.
“That’s already the case with the goalkeeper,” he joked, speaking on Tuesday at the Sports Journalism Festival in Laval.
“That’s your analysis, I don’t think that’s the case, even if some may run less than others. If you want him to run a minimum of 11 km per game, don’t bother, he won’t do it.”
The former Marseille and Monaco midfielder used the platform to challenge how individual players are often judged through narrow statistical lenses rather than tactical roles.
France staff highlight intensity over distance
Deschamps’ view was echoed by his assistant Guy Stéphan, who stressed that Mbappé’s physical output should be measured differently.
“Kylian does a lot more high-intensity running,” Stéphan said, underlining the explosive sprints and decisive movements that define the forward’s game rather than total kilometres covered.
For Deschamps, this distinction is central to understanding Mbappé’s value to France. The coach also tackled the persistent perception that Mbappé is overly individualistic, a label often attached to elite attackers.
“Kylian, you either love him or you don’t, but young people adore him,” Deschamps noted. “You have the image of a selfish, individualistic guy, and of course a striker must also be selfish, but I can assure you that in the French team, he behaves like a captain.”
Those remarks reflect Deschamps’ continued trust in Mbappé’s leadership since handing him the armband. While the forward’s influence is often measured in goals and assists, the coach emphasised his behaviour within the group and his understanding of responsibility at international level.
The Real Madrid forward has scored 37 goals in 30 games across all competitions this season, topping the scoring charts in both LaLiga (22 goals) and the Champions League (13).