Kylian Mbappe’s Olympic Dream Quashed by Real Madrid
Kylian Mbappe will not represent France at the Paris Olympics as head coach Thierry Henry excluded him from the preliminary 25-man squad. Henry revealed his desire to include Mbappe, but Real Madrid, Mbappe’s soon-to-be-announced club, refused to release him for the tournament.
Real Madrid’s Stance on the Olympics
Real Madrid’s decision to withhold Mbappe from the Olympics was straightforward. Henry recounted, “Real Madrid were really straightforward about the Olympics. The last time I received so many rejections was at the university. There have not even been negotiations. You go, you ask, they say no, and you leave.” This blunt refusal underscores the power clubs hold over players’ participation in international events.
Olympic Participation and Club Policies
Participation in the Olympics largely depends on the policies of the players’ respective clubs. Men’s Olympic football teams are restricted to players aged 23 and under but can include three overaged players. At 25, Mbappe could have been one of the overaged players in the squad.
Macron’s Hopes Dashed
French President Emmanuel Macron had hoped that Mbappe’s club would allow him to play for the French team at the Olympics. Macron expressed his optimism, saying, “We are going to do everything to have a competitive team. I have confidence in the French and European clubs. We have the Euro before, that’s the problem. I think the clubs have to play their part if we want to have a great show.” Despite his hopes, Real Madrid’s firm stance has prevented Mbappe’s participation.
Mbappe’s Willingness to Play
Mbappe himself had expressed a strong desire to play in the Olympics, acknowledging that the final decision lay with his club. He stated, “It’s my employer who decides. It will be a pleasure to play in them, but if my employer doesn’t want to, I will support that decision.” Read more at http://ndtvsports.com
France’s Preliminary Olympic Squad
Without Mbappe, Henry announced France’s preliminary Olympic squad, which includes:
- Goalkeepers: Lucas Chevalier, Obed Nkambadio, Guillaume Restes, Robin Risser
- Defenders: Bafode Diakite, Mazime Esteve, Bradley Locko, Castello Lukeba, Kiliann Sildillia, Adrien Truffert, Leny Yoro
- Midfielders: Maghnes Akliouche, Joris Chotard, Desire Doue, Manu Kone, Enzo Millot, Khephran Thuram, Lesley Ugochukwu, Warren Zaire-Emery
- Forwards: Bradley Barcola, Arnaud Kalimuendo, Alexandre Lacazette, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Michael Olise, Mathys Tel
Impact on the Team
Henry and the French team face the challenge of competing without one of their top stars. Despite this setback, they remain focused on building a strong and competitive squad for the Olympics. The event’s opening ceremony will take place on July 26, featuring a flotilla of boats carrying national teams down the Seine River, with over 300,000 spectators expected.
Conclusion
Kylian Mbappe’s exclusion from the Olympic squad highlights the influence of club policies on international player participation. Real Madrid’s decision reflects their priorities, impacting Mbappe’s dream and France’s Olympic prospects. As the tournament approaches, the French team must adapt and strategize to achieve success without their star forward. Follow for more Summer Fun Without Screens: 6 Engaging Activities
