Ousmane Dembele Defends Kylian Mbappe Amid Growing Criticism Ahead of 2026 World Cup

France forward Ousmane Dembele has come to the defence of captain Kylian Mbappe, saying the backlash aimed at the Real Madrid star has become excessive as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches.

Mbappe has endured intense scrutiny in Spain and France after a trophyless season with Real Madrid and while carrying the armband for Les Bleus.

Speaking to Marca, Dembele stated: “The criticism towards him is very, very unfair. Some people go a bit too far with the criticism of Kylian. He’s an incredible player and a very good person off the pitch. Some people overdo the criticism because he’s Kylian Mbappe. They shouldn’t keep going after him.”

The PSG winger added that the spotlight on Mbappe often stretches beyond football. “Whether he ties his shoelaces or not, whether he pulls up his socks or not… it’s too much. He’s still a human being. With the France team, he’s very good with us, he’s a leader,” Dembele said.

Dembele, who is among the leading contenders for this year’s Ballon d’Or after helping Paris Saint-Germain retain the UEFA Champions League title, is expected to start alongside Mbappe when France open their World Cup campaign against Senegal on Tuesday. Group‑stage matches against Iraq and Norway will follow.

The 28‑year‑old also paid tribute to long‑serving France manager Didier Deschamps, who will step down after the tournament. “He’s simply an exceptional coach. He will forever remain a legend among French national team coaches,” Dembele added. Deschamps guided France to World Cup glory in 2018 and another final appearance in 2022.

Looking ahead, Dembele backed former France and Real Madrid icon Zinedine Zidane as a potential successor. “We hope to welcome him one day to the France bench. I’m convinced he would do a fantastic job,” he said. Zidane, a World Cup winner alongside Deschamps in 1998, has long been linked with the national team role but has consistently avoided discussing the position while the current coach remains in charge.