Real Madrid have risked a fresh club vs. country with the France national side over Kylian Mbappe this summer.
Didier Deschamps’ side take on Spain the semi finals of the UEFA Nations League on June 5 with Mbappe in line to lead his national team.
However, despite his importance to Deschamps’ plans, Real Madrid are keen to ensure maximum rest for their No.9 ahead of the incoming FIFA Club World Cup.
As per reports from L’Equipe, via Diario Sport, Real Madrid have instructed Mbappe and teammate Aurelien Tchouameni to join up later than expected with the squad.
Real Madrid vs. France: Mbappe latest
Deschamps opted not to include his captain in the squad for France’s Nations League games in November after he missed the October international window due to fitness issues.
He returned for the double header vs. Croatia in March and he links up this time on the back of a sensational first year in Madrid.
Mbappe’s 31 La Liga goals clinched the Golden Boot despite Carlo Ancelotti’s failure to win a trophy in 2024/25.
The latest row with France means he and Tchouameni will not arrive at Clairefontaine until the FIFA deadline of June 2, instead of France’s May 30 target.
Real Madrid’s Club World Cup start
Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid are determined to make a major impact at the Club World Cup and the club are throwing full resources behind it.
With France due to take on Spain in Stuttgart on June 5 – alongside either a final or a third place playoff on June 8 – Mbappe’s flight to the USA could be impacted.
Real Madrid want the majority of their squad to depart together but that will not be the case.
The tournament starts on June 14 – with Real Madrid’s opening game on June 18 – and players on CONMEBOL duty are set to fly direct to Miami from South America.
