Kylian Mbappé softens stance on Olympic Games participation

An“inner destiny” and a “childhood dream” – Kylian Mbappé (25) has made no secret of his desire to represent France in the 2024 Olympics in Paris this summer, however, his stance on participating in the Games has now softened. 

Mbappé told Téléfoot back in 2022 that the topic of participating in the Olympics was broached during negotiations to extend his Paris Saint-Germain contract, amidst the Frenchman’s eagerness to participate in the event. It is unclear by whom Mbappé will be employed by the time the Olympics come around. 

The France captain’s contract with Les Parisiens expires at the end of the season, and his future is a hot topic of discussion, amidst intense rumours of a move to Real Madrid.

It had been reported that Mbappé wanted to negotiate an agreement with whoever his future employers may be, that would allow him to participate in the Olympics, with the event potentially leaving Mbappé unavailable for the opening matches of the 2024/25 season. 

However, in an interview with GQ, Mbappé has now softened his stance on the topic. “I’ve reached a stage in my life and career where I don’t want to force things any more. If I’m asked, I’d love to go, but if that’s not possible, I’ll understand,” the Frenchman said. 

Mbappé added, “For every athlete, the Olympics holds a special place. I wanted to go to Tokyo [in 2020] because I want to win everything and write my name in the history of the French team as a player who mattered.” 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle