Broken Locker room? The France player who clashed with Kylian Mbappe

The French national team is going through a difficult period. After losing the 2022 World Cup final to Argentina and being knocked out in the Euro semi-finals by Spain, Didier Deschamps' side has struggled to find consistency. However, their issues are not just on the pitch—tensions within the squad, particularly involving Kylian Mbappe, have become increasingly evident.

Mbappe's Rift with Deschamps

One of the biggest sources of conflict within the team is the strained relationship between Mbappe and Deschamps. The manager was reportedly unhappy with the forward after he skipped a match against Israel, citing muscle discomfort, only to later be spotted in Stockholm, Sweden. This move did not sit well with the coaching staff.

In response, Deschamps made a strong statement by leaving the Real Madrid star out of France’s squad for the November international fixtures. This decision highlighted the growing divide between the two and raised doubts over Mbappe’s standing within the national team.

Clash with Mike Maignan in the Dressing Room

But the problems do not end there. According to L’Equipe, Mbappe has also fallen out with Mike Maignan, AC Milan’s goalkeeper and one of the most influential voices in the dressing room.

The tensions reportedly surfaced after France’s Nations League defeat to Italy at the Parc des Princes. Following the match, Maignan openly criticised the lack of defensive contribution from the forwards—a comment that Mbappe took as a direct attack on him. This led to friction between the two players, further destabilising the squad.

Mbappe Opposed Maignan Wearing the Captain's Armband

As if their relationship was not already strained, things escalated further when Mbappe allegedly opposed Maignan being given the captain’s armband in his absence. Reports suggest that during matches played in October and November, the forward was not in favour of the goalkeeper taking on the leadership role.

This reaction underscores the growing divisions within the squad. While Mbappe is undoubtedly one of the world’s biggest football stars, it seems that not everyone in the French camp is willing to accept his authority without question.

A Dressing Room in Disarray

With all these conflicts surfacing, the atmosphere within the French national team appears far from harmonious. As results continue to disappoint, the internal disputes are only adding to the pressure.

Mbappe’s future as France’s leader is now uncertain. While his talent is unquestionable, these ongoing tensions could weaken his influence within the squad. The big question now is whether Deschamps can repair the fractures in the dressing room or if the divisions will continue to grow, potentially destabilising the team even further.