Kylian Mbappe’s Redemption Mission: France captain chasing immortality as glory beckons

Kylian Mbappe entered this World Cup carrying more than just the weight of France’s expectations. The superstar forward arrived in the United States determined to silence questions about his leadership, commitment and ability to deliver on the biggest stages.

Once criticised for being too focused on individual brilliance, Mbappe has embraced the responsibility of captaincy and emerged as the driving force behind France’s pursuit of a third World Cup crown.

The 27-year-old endured a turbulent end to last season with Real Madrid, where sections of the support questioned his dedication after he struggled with an injury. Despite scoring 86 goals in two seasons, his individual numbers could not help the Spanish giants secure a major trophy.

His departure from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024 carried similar criticism. Mbappe left the club as their record goalscorer but without delivering the Champions League trophy they desperately wanted — a competition PSG went on to win twice after his exit.

But the World Cup has always brought out a different version of Mbappe.

The tournament that announced him to the world in 2018 has once again become the stage where he looks most determined.

A captain leading by example

Mbappe has been central to France’s campaign, scoring seven goals in five matches before their quarter-final clash against Morocco at Gillette Stadium.

The forward burst onto the global scene as a teenager during France’s 2018 triumph before producing one of the greatest individual displays in World Cup final history four years later, scoring a hat-trick against Argentina despite ending up on the losing side.

He has since become France’s all-time leading scorer and is now chasing further records, including Lionel Messi’s World Cup goalscoring milestones and the tournament’s Golden Boot.

However, Mbappe insists personal achievements remain secondary to team success.

“I know people talk about the stats. I watch the TV too. But my only focus is on helping the team and getting us back here on July 19,” he said after France’s 3-0 victory over Sweden in the last 32.

His influence has not only been measured in goals. During France’s narrow win over Paraguay in the last 16, Mbappe displayed the temperament expected of a leader as he endured repeated physical challenges and attempts to provoke him.

Despite the hostility, he maintained his composure and focused on guiding his teammates through a difficult contest.

Leadership tested on and off the pitch

Mbappe’s leadership was also tested away from football after he became the target of racist abuse from Paraguayan politician Celeste Amarilla following the match.

The France captain responded strongly, describing her comments as “despicable” and “unworthy” of her position. He received public support from French president Emmanuel Macron and FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

For France coach Didier Deschamps, the criticism surrounding Mbappe often fails to reflect the person inside the dressing room.

“You make him out to be a dictator but people have an image of Kylian which is really not the reality,” Deschamps said.

“He is an extraordinary player and when he talks he does so in the name of the whole team.”

Deschamps’ decision to hand Mbappe the captain’s armband in 2023 was initially questioned, particularly with Antoine Griezmann also considered a candidate because of his experience and seniority.

But the France boss believed Mbappe had the personality and influence to carry the responsibility.

Built for the biggest moments

The captaincy did not immediately produce success. France struggled at Euro 2024, where Mbappe suffered a broken nose in the opening match and scored only once, from the penalty spot, as Les Bleus exited in the semi-finals.

His commitment to the national team was later questioned after Deschamps omitted him from several squads while he adapted to life at Real Madrid.

But Mbappe responded in the best possible way, returning to international football with renewed focus. Between June last year and March, he scored eight goals in seven appearances for France.

His connection with Deschamps has remained strong, highlighted by his emotional celebration after scoring against Sweden, when he ran directly to embrace the coach following the death of his mother days earlier.

“He is on a mission and has been since the first day,” Deschamps said.