Kylian Mbappe visits Cameroon amid Leonardo's PSG exit comments

Kylian Mbappe's charity work in Cameroon contrasts with PSG tension as Leonardo doubts his leadership and future with the club.

Kylian Mbappe, one of football's most talked-about names, recently took a break from the incessant speculation surrounding his future at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to embark on an impactful journey to Cameroon, the homeland of his father.

Upon his arrival last Thursday, Mbappe was greeted with an outpouring of love and admiration from his legion of Cameroonian fans.

His stay wasn't just for pleasure, though; the French international took the opportunity to engage in philanthropic activities, with a particular focus on supporting deaf children.

Kylian Mbappe's journey back to his roots has not only garnered international attention for Cameroon but has also provided a significant boost to the nation's tourism industry.

His visit underlines the immense potential of involving diaspora sports icons like Mbappe in initiatives aimed at promoting their countries of origin.

The 22-year-old forward's status as an ambassador for Cameroon is undisputed, as he continues to showcase his commitment to the nation and its people.

Kylian Mbappe who is currently on holiday visited his father's native Cameroon, accompanied by a huge armoured convoy
.Photo by Daniel BELOUMOU OLOMO / AFP) pic.twitter.com/srXw9rYn8x

— Channels Television (@channelstv) July 10, 2023

Kylian Mbappé playing a small-sided game with some youngsters in Cameroon. 🇨🇲❤️

pic.twitter.com/TFpRA8ItvM

— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) July 8, 2023

Kylian Mbappé has spent three days in his father’s native Cameroon on holiday. 🇨🇲 pic.twitter.com/SirhmqoHi7

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) July 10, 2023

Kylian Mbappé moving around Cameroon like he's a head of state. 😮🇨🇲 pic.twitter.com/i4lsJPH7Yi

— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) July 8, 2023

However, while he shines on the African continent, his club situation back in France remains complex.

PSG's Sporting Director, Leonardo, recently opened up about Mbappe's future at the club, providing a candid take on the player's value to the team.

"PSG existed before Kylian Mbappe, and it will exist after him," Leonardo asserted. He highlighted that during Mbappé's six years at PSG, the Champions League was won by five different clubs, suggesting that triumph in the competition does not rely solely on the Frenchman's talents.

PSG's former sporting director didn't hold back on Kylian Mbappe 😳 pic.twitter.com/UifEjx0ire

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 10, 2023

Leonardo also critiqued Mbappé's role within the team, saying, "With his behaviour over the past two years, Mbappe shows that he is not yet a player capable of really guiding a team. He is a great player, not a leader. He is a great scorer, not a creative. It's hard to build a team around him."

In what might be the most telling comment, Leonardo concluded, "For the good of PSG, I think the time has come for Mbappe to leave, no matter how."