Is Kylian Mbappé going to play at the Olympic Games with France?

The dream of playing at the Olympic Games are getting further and further away for Kylian Mbappé. The tournament is his main aim next summer, but it comes just after the Euros. As a result of the tight turnaround, the striker, as highlighted by L’Équipe, is aware that a change of team (probably to Real Madrid) coupled with the fatigue that would come with playing in both tournaments, would be an excessive weight to carry in an already crazy year.

Mbappé's dream of playing in the Olympic tournament, from July 24 to August 10, dates back before it was known that he would leave at the end of the season. At the time, according to various public statements made by the player, both the French club and their Qatari owners accepted that he would play at the Olympics. Curiously it is the clubs and not the national teams who have the upper hand in such negotiations as it is not considered an official FIFA window.

Mbappé may not have a normal pre-season

Now, as his transfer from Luis Enrique’s side to Real Madrid edges closer, Mbappé will prioritise the Euros. Only in the event that Los Blancos agree to let him go, something that is not confirmed, would he participate in the Olympic Games. L’Equipe insist that there is still some chance of seeing the attacker at both tournaments, but it is slim.

The summer market is set to be hectic, with many players, including Mbappé, who will change teams. If the captain of Les Bleus finally ends up going back to Paris for the Olympics, his adaptation to Real Madrid would be rushed.

He would start the campaign without a pre-season aimed at adapting to new tactical concepts and he would also not have a normal recovery time: Mbappé would arrive in the Spanish capital with his energy levels already in the red after having played in not one but two summer tournaments.

In France, it is expected that Mbappé will not force through his participation in the Olympic Games. For years, the winger had made the sporting event a priority, but the huge change in his life next summer will keep him away from representing the French national team. Les Bleus coach Thierry Henry wanted to have him in the squad, but there is also a third party, senior team coach Didier Deschamps, who will also have to give his verdict, as reported by RMC Sport.

The coach has so far been reluctant to commit Mbappé to the Olympics. All his answers have been ambiguous and this Thursday, when asked about it, he did not confirm the attacker’s presence in Paris either. L’Équipe admit not having the PSG forward would be a setback for a France side that dream of gold: having Mbappé would of course increase their chances of success.