Kylian Mbappe has recently taken steps to mend strained relationships with some of his France teammates after returning to the national squad.
According to reports, the Real Madrid superstar held “clear the air talks” with one of his fellow players, aiming to put past conflicts behind him.
The Unseen Tensions with Antoine Griezmann
Earlier this week, Mbappe spoke out about reports suggesting a rift with Antoine Griezmann, which allegedly led to Griezmann’s decision to retire from international duty in September.
However, it now seems that Mbappe’s tensions extend beyond just Griezmann, as another teammate, goalkeeper Mike Maignan, has reportedly also been involved in some discord.
The Fallout with Mike Maignan
After France’s disappointing 3-1 loss to Italy in September, Maignan, 29, reportedly launched into an emotional rant, criticizing the team’s lack of commitment.
This outburst left both Mbappe and Griezmann silent and seemingly stunned.
According to French outlet L’Equipe, Mbappe felt personally attacked by Maignan’s outburst, but the goalkeeper has since clarified that his frustration was aimed at the entire squad, not just Mbappe.
While Mbappe and Maignan may not have a close personal relationship, the two share a professional bond as they work together with the goal of winning the 2026 World Cup.
Mbappe Opens Up About His Relationship with Griezmann
Mbappe also took the opportunity to address his complex relationship with Griezmann, stating that while their dynamic isn’t perfect, there’s no serious rift between them.
Following Griezmann’s announcement of his international retirement after 137 appearances, many media outlets speculated that Mbappe’s promotion to team captain might have caused tension.
However, Mbappe made it clear that he understood Griezmann’s disappointment and that they’ve had many open conversations since the news broke.
In an interview with Le Parisien, Mbappe said, “We often talk with Antoine.
I love his son, he’s a football fanatic, he reminds me a bit of myself when I was little.
I love him, Amaro.” He also mentioned that despite their teams’ rivalry, they maintain a good relationship and frequently connect, adding that Griezmann had invited him for a barbecue, though it hadn’t happened yet.
Moving Forward Together
As France looks ahead to the Euro 2024 tournament, Mbappe has made it clear that he values his teammates, even if their relationships can be complicated at times.
The unity within the squad remains a top priority for the star forward, who continues to focus on his leadership role as captain.