It hasn't been an easy FIFA window for France. However, after the loss in the first leg against Croatia, they managed to come back in the tie at the Stade de France to force penalties… and they will be in the final four of the UEFA Nations League. Mbappé's help wasn’t needed, as he once again failed to score. Nevertheless, coach Didier Deschamps didn’t hesitate to reinforce his position on his return to France.

“Kylian Mbappé has been a tremendous leader”

The scoring crisis of Kylian Mbappé with France is an issue that, although not catastrophic, is starting to generate some debate in France. In fact, by this point, everyone assumed he would have already surpassed Olivier Giroud as the all-time top scorer for the national team… but he’s still stuck at 48 goals. Where he didn’t fail, however, was in the penalty shootout, taking responsibility for the first kick.

Nevertheless, the truth is that Mbappé has been one of France’s best players in this tie against Croatia. “Kylian Mbappé has been a tremendous leader since the beginning of the week. He has made very effective contributions both on and off the field, showing a lot of enthusiasm and determination. He’s been key in preparing for this match,” said Deschamps in the press conference.

Mbappé already thinking about Spain

These are by no means empty words from Deschamps, as Mbappé himself confirmed days earlier that they had had their issues after not being called up during the international breaks in October and November. In fact, Mbappé was even questioned for his lack of commitment to France and for putting his interests with Real Madrid first. However, after stepping up as the captain, lifting the Stade de France, and consoling Koundé and Theo Hernández, everything has been forgotten.

That being said, despite not having scored, it’s clear that Mbappé puts France in a completely different competitive dimension when he is on the field. His mere presence already affects the opponent. Now, during the final four of the Nations League against Spain in June, he will want to make up for this bad goal-scoring run with France against Spain—the team that denied him the chance to play in his first Euro final.