Is Kyllian Mbappe bigger than the French national team?

Kylian Mbappe faces criticism for skipping France matches citing fitness, while being seen partying; sparks debate over his commitment to France team

Kyllian Mbappe has been a subject of criticism in the French media after missing the current set of international games, will their be consequences? (Photo credit: ESPN)

Top athletes have always received preferential treatments and special holidays to protect them from injuries, but are recent occurrences at Le Bleus hurting Kylian Mbappe's ego?

The Real Madrid forward excused himself from national team games against Israel and Belgium, citing fitness issues, but was available for his club in their last two games and doesn’t look like he’s carrying any injuries of note.

However, while his compatriots were busy thrashing Israel in a UEFA Nations’ League game, a Swedish media outfit revealed that Mbappe was hanging out with unknown friends in a Stockholm nightclub, fueling more indignation from French quarters.

In his (Mbappe) absence and the shock retirement of Antoine Griezzmann, Didier Deschamps handed Aurelien Tchoumeni the armband, and the Real Madrid midfielder led the team to an emphatic win over the Israelis.

French stars have come out to defend their captain, with Chelsea’s Wesley Fofana leading the cause: “He is a strong professional and can do as he pleases; he has given his best, and he remains our best player; he should be left alone.” - Wesley Fofana.

As France prepares for an important game against Belgium on Monday, some top media outfits, including L'Equip, have criticized Mbappe for his disrespect to the national team, wondering why he would pick games to play.

Rumours surfaced last week of a statement credited to Mbappe, which says the Real Madrid forward only wants to pick games to play as he’s trying to fight for his Ballon d’Or chances and wouldn’t risk anything for the national team.

Mbappe sustained a muscle injury in September, but he quickly recovered to play in Real Madrid's unexpected Champions League loss at Lille. He also started the La Liga match against Villarreal. You might be wondering where the fitness issues are coming from.

Mbappe is considered the best player in the French national team lineup, but does he surpass Le Bleus in stature? Is he setting a wonderful example for the likes of Bradley Barcola and younger stars who look up to him? Will Deschamps overlook this like it never happened?