France's forward #10 Kylian Mbappe celebrates scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Nations League third place play-off football match between Germany and France in Stuttgart, southwestern Germany on June 8, 2025. (Photo by THOMAS KIENZLE / AFP)
France forward Ousmane Dembélé has defended national team captain Kylian Mbappé, saying the scrutiny directed at the Real Madrid striker has become “very, very unfair” and has gone too far.
Mbappé has faced sustained criticism in Spain following a trophyless season with Real Madrid, as well as ongoing debate in France over his leadership role since becoming national team captain in 2023.
Speaking to Spanish newspaper Marca on Friday, Dembélé said the level of attention on Mbappé often crosses a line.
“The criticism towards him is very, very unfair,” he said. “Some people go a bit too far with the criticism of Kylian.”
