Is Kylian Mbappe Falling Short of Benzema's Legacy? France Faces Backlash Over Injury Management
The ongoing debate about Kylian Mbappé’s status in the football world has taken a new twist, with some arguing that the French superstar hasn’t quite reached the "Galactico" level that Real Madrid legends like Karim Benzema achieved. Recently, a bold claim made headlines, suggesting that Mbappé "doesn't reach Karim Benzema's ankle," a striking statement given Mbappé’s incredible achievements, including a World Cup win. It seems the expectations around Mbappé, especially after joining Real Madrid, are soaring high, and comparisons with former icons like Benzema are unavoidable.
The controversy around this statement stems from a broader concern that France may be bowing to external pressure, particularly from Real Madrid, to manage Mbappé’s injuries cautiously. Although Mbappé recently returned from a thigh injury, his exclusion from the French national squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches raised eyebrows. Coach Didier Deschamps revealed that while Mbappé had recovered, he preferred not to risk aggravating the injury. This decision led to speculation that Real Madrid’s interests, rather than the player’s fitness alone, might have influenced the choice.
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In just a few months at Real Madrid, Mbappé has already demonstrated his talent, scoring seven goals in 10 appearances. However, his recent absence from the match against Atletico Madrid, followed by limited playtime in Real Madrid’s surprise 1-0 defeat to Lille, hints at possible fitness issues. Despite Deschamps’ assurance that Mbappé’s injury isn’t serious, questions linger about whether this move was more about long-term club priorities than France’s immediate needs.
With France second in their group in the UEFA Nations League and key players like Antoine Griezmann retiring from international football, the team faces significant challenges ahead. Mbappé’s absence leaves a gap in France’s attack, especially as the team prepares for critical matches against Israel and Belgium. It also raises concerns about whether the French team is overly cautious when it comes to protecting its star players who are also key assets for elite clubs like Real Madrid.
In the end, this situation underscores the high expectations placed on Mbappé. Whether it’s living up to the legacy of players like Benzema or balancing national and club responsibilities, the pressure on him is immense. While his future at Real Madrid looks bright, the debate about his standing compared to past legends—and his role with the French national team—will likely continue to make headlines.
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