Coach Didier Deschamps wanted to give the Real Madrid star extra time to get “100 per cent fit” before including him in France’s Nations League team to play Israel and Belgium. During Thursday’s 4-1 victory over Israel, the 25-year-old allegedly made an appearance in a Stockholm nightclub. The former PSG player has been the target of criticism, but his compatriot Fofana has defended him, stating, “he does what he wants.”

He informed the press that people are free to do what they like during their leisure time. I was unaware of this tale; it wasn’t discussed among us (the French squad) today. He is a fantastic professional and a wonderful human being; he does what he wants. Are we exaggerating the situation? I am uncertain. Since he is the top French player, it is expected that it would receive a lot of attention. The media, in my opinion, crosses a line every so often. For further details, you could consult Kylian Mbappé.

Mbappe eventually completed his sensational summer transfer from Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid, but the 2018 World Cup victor has failed to live up to expectations. Three of his seven goals this season have come from penalty kicks. He has played in eleven matches. And when things aren’t going according to plan, fans may be quick to criticize stars like Mbappe, for better or worse.

Monday night’s Nations League match between France and Belgium is happening while Mbappe gets preparing for Madrid’s upcoming schedule of matches.