France forward Ousmane Dembele has come to the defence of teammate Kylian Mbappe, saying the Real Madrid star deserves less criticism ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mbappe has faced increased attention since becoming France captain in 2023, with his performances and leadership regularly discussed by fans and analysts.
The pressure increased after he failed to win a major trophy with Real Madrid during the previous season.
France star praises Mbappe’s quality
Speaking to Marca ahead of France’s World Cup opening match against Senegal, Dembele described Mbappe as an exceptional player and praised his personality away from football.
The forward said the level of criticism directed at Mbappe has become excessive and believes the France captain is judged too harshly.
Dembele highlighted Mbappe’s importance to both club and country, insisting that the attacker remains one of football’s elite talents.
Mbappe prepares for another World Cup challenge
The Real Madrid forward will enter the tournament as one of France’s most important players as Didier Deschamps’ team aims for another strong World Cup campaign.
Despite facing pressure, Mbappe remains a key figure for the national side due to his experience, goal-scoring ability, and previous performances on the biggest stage.
Dembele believes the focus should be on supporting the captain rather than constantly questioning his every decision.