Kylian Mbappé’s leadership within the French national team has once again sparked debate, with former international Jérôme Rothen openly questioning the sincerity of the captain’s recent speech to his teammates.
Mbappé’s address to the squad under scrutiny
Following his return to the squad after missing two training sessions, Mbappé delivered a speech in front of his teammates after a talk by Didier Deschamps.
The moment, captured by French Football Federation (FFF) cameras, was widely circulated in the media, portraying the Paris Saint-Germain star as a vocal leader.
However, Rothen, now a consultant for RMC, remains unconvinced by Mbappé’s actions, accusing the 26-year-old forward of manufacturing an image rather than demonstrating genuine leadership.
“For me, he lacks sincerity. Everything in what he does is false,” Rothen claimed. He suggested that rather than addressing his recent absences head-on, Mbappé staged the moment to enhance his public perception.
“Too much image control”
Rothen went further in his critique, calling the FFF’s behind-the-scenes footage a deliberate move to shape the narrative around Mbappé.
“These ‘inside’ documentaries are premeditated things,” he said. “If they lose to Croatia, they won’t release this scene.”
The former France international also questioned Mbappé’s behavior on the pitch, noting how the forward repeatedly gestured to the crowd during the match—something he believes is out of character.
Jérôme Rothen estime l’attitude de Kylian Mbappé 🇫🇷 avec les Bleus lors du dernier rassemblement comme “𝗛𝗬𝗣𝗢𝗖𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗘” :
« 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗮𝘂𝘅 dans ce qu’il fait !
Il est en train de se refaire une image car il n’a pas voulu s’excuser, faire un mea culpa.
S’ils… pic.twitter.com/o79KXMTC8Z
— Actu Foot (@ActuFoot_) March 31, 2025
“Why did he constantly harangue the crowd during the match? He never did that,” Rothen remarked, suggesting that Mbappé’s actions were more about image than genuine passion for the team.
Debate over Mbappé’s leadership continues
As Euro 2024 approaches, Mbappé’s leadership style is under increasing scrutiny.
While many see him as the natural successor to past French captains, critics argue that his communication and presence within the squad often appear calculated rather than authentic.
With France among the favorites for the tournament, Mbappé will need to silence his doubters with performances on the pitch rather than speeches off it.
However, as long as his leadership remains a talking point, figures like Rothen are unlikely to let the controversy fade.
