Kylian Mbappe Misses Out on Paris Olympics Due to Real Madrid Commitment
In a blow to French football fans, star striker Kylian Mbappe has confirmed that he will not be participating in the upcoming Paris Olympics this summer. The 25-year-old, who had previously expressed his desire to represent his home country at the Games, was not selected in France’s provisional Olympic squad on June 3 due to a directive from his new club, Real Madrid.
Mbappe, who is set to join Real Madrid on a free transfer when his Paris St-Germain contract expires on June 30, revealed that the Spanish giants have made it clear that any player competing at Euro 2024 would not be allowed to play at the Olympics. France are among the favorites to win the European Championship, which runs from June 14 to July 14, 2024, just ahead of the Olympic football tournament.
“My club’s position was very clear, so from that moment on, I think I won’t be taking part in the Games,” Mbappe said. “That’s just the way it is, and I understand that too. I’m joining a new team in September, so it’s not the best way to start an adventure.”
The men’s Olympic football competition is scheduled to run from July 24 to August 9, just over a week before the start of the La Liga season. The tournament is contested by under-23 teams, but each nation can include three over-age players in their squad.
Despite his disappointment, Mbappe has pledged to support the French national team’s quest for gold at the Paris Olympics. “Now I think I’m going to wish this French team all the best. I’m going to watch every game. I hope they’ll bring home the gold medal,” he said.
France, who are two-time European champions, will begin their Euro 2024 campaign against Austria in Dusseldorf on Monday. Manager Didier Deschamps is aiming to become only the second person to win the Euros as a player and manager, after Germany’s Berti Vogts.
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