Mbappé and Real Madrid face first challenge

Real Madrid and Kylian Mbappé will have to resolve an important issue upon his signing in the Spanish capital: whether or not he will participate in the upcoming Olympic Games to be held in Paris. This is a crucial matter in his country and one of the arguments used by his current employers Paris Saint-Germain, and even the government, to pressure the star to renew his contract in 2022. There are even rumours suggesting that Mbappé is being considered to be the flagbearer for France in the opening ceremony. Pressure indeed.

Olympic Games role for Mbappé

National newspaper L’Equipe, known for its reliable sources within the French Football Federation, reported on 2 January that France’s plan was to include Mbappé, Griezmann, and Varane in the team aiming for the gold in the home Games. The regulations allow for three players over 21 to be part of the team. Griezmann has expressed his eagerness to participate numerous times, Varane has yet to comment on the matter, and Mbappé has provided arguments for both going and not going.

The Olympic Games, in terms of football, fall under the jurisdiction of the International Olympic Committee, not FIFA, and therefore are not official dates sanctioned by the global football governing body. This means that clubs decide whether to release their players or not, without obligation, requiring players to negotiate with their pay masters. It’s also worth noting that in case of serious injury while on Olympic duty, there is no compensation provided, unlike during FIFA’s official dates. Madrid has experienced this before with Dani Ceballos’ significant ankle injury, which kept him sidelined for several months.

Mbappé's overlapping summer schedule

First up in the summer, however, is the European Championships in Germany which takes place from 14 June to 14 July. This is followed by the Olympics football from 24 July to 9 August, overlapping with Real Madrid’s pre-season preparations and the start of LaLiga. Mbappé and Los Blancos have much to consider in this regard. Apart from the almost nonexistent rest period if Mbappé participates in both events, it is seen as crucial for Madrid that he is present during the United States tour.

The team’s cachet, especially with the recent, but yet to be official, signing of Mbappé, will significantly increase. In the last two summers, Madrid earned around $13 million and $16 million, respectively, from playing four matches in the two tours. With the French star on board, this figure could skyrocket. Nevertheless, considering his participation in the Euros, it will be challenging for Mbappé to play all matches of the tour. Presumably, he will join the team later than others, like all internationals who participate in Germany.

The player’s recent remarks regarding the matter are encouraging for Real Madrid’s interests. “Everyone knows that I have always dreamed of playing in the Olympics. After that, it’s not up to me; there are many factors at play,” he recently stated in the French media. The Games begin just 10 days after the conclusion of the Euros, where France is one of the clear favourites.

France Under-21 coach Thierry Henry also approached the Mbappé situation cautiously and realistically. “I haven’t spoken to him about it yet,” he admitted. “Let’s say I want what a player and his current club agrees. If he is transferred in the summer, who says his new club will want to release him? I don’t know where he’ll end up, but the club will have a say. I haven’t contacted him yet.” No doubt this will be one of the initial topics to address between Madrid and their new galáctico.