Is Mbappé too good for France?
Is Mbappé too good for France – France’s national team, currently in the semifinals of the World Cup, faces a pivotal match against Spain on Tuesday. Kylian Mbappé, the team’s captain and top scorer, has become a symbol of France’s footballing prowess, but his journey has not been without controversy. The 2026 World Cup marks a significant moment, yet the 25-year-old forward continues to draw criticism from far-right figures who question his connection to French identity.
The Euro 2020 Setback
Five years ago, Mbappé nearly walked away from the French squad. During the Euro 2020 tournament, France was expected to dominate, but a shocking loss to Switzerland in the Round of 16 dented their confidence. The Swiss scored two late goals to force a penalty shootout, where Mbappé’s decisive kick was saved by the opposing goalkeeper. The defeat sparked a wave of public disappointment, with media outlets like Le Parisien and L’Equipe labeling the outcome as a “disillusionment” or “devastated” moment.
“I cannot play for people who think I’m a monkey. I’m not gonna play,” Mbappé told French Football Federation president Noël Le Graët after the loss. Despite his frustration, he returned to the team, leading France to a World Cup final in Qatar the following year. The French squad, composed largely of immigrants, lost to Argentina in penalties, but Mbappé’s performance solidified his status as a global star.
Identity and Immigration Debates
Mbappé’s mixed Cameroonian and Algerian heritage has made him a focal point in discussions about multiculturalism in France. While some see him as a testament to the nation’s diverse roots, others argue his success distances him from the struggles of immigrant communities. This tension resurfaced in 2024 when he clashed with National Rally leaders Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella, who criticized his influence on French voters.
Le Pen, a potential presidential candidate, claimed Mbappé’s achievements “prove” he has lost his immigrant identity. “Because there are far more of them living on minimum wage, who can’t afford housing and heating, than people like Mr. Mbappé,” she stated in a CNN interview. The National Rally’s rhetoric often links success to assimilation, framing Mbappé as a figure who prioritizes individual glory over collective roots.
Racism in the Spotlight
Recent incidents have reignited debates about racial bias in French football. After France defeated Paraguay, Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla accused Mbappé of being a “colonized Cameroonian pretending to be French.” She claimed he lacked cultural ties, suggesting he “sucked on coconuts instead of mother’s milk” and “learned to write from chimpanzees.” Amarilla later retracted her remarks, calling them “in the heat of the moment,” but her comments sparked further backlash.
“Retract your remarks, honor your French citizenship, and apologize to me,” Amarilla wrote in an Instagram letter, attempting to deflect criticism by framing Mbappé’s response as gender-based aggression. French President Emmanuel Macron countered by publicly defending the player, tweeting, “Another goal for Kylian Mbappé. Against racism this time.”
Mbappé has endured racist abuse throughout his career. While at Real Madrid in the 2025-26 season, fans chanted monkey-related slurs during a match against Real Oviedo, resulting in a supporter being arrested. His struggles highlight how even success can’t erase prejudice, as seen during France’s 2022 World Cup loss, when Black players faced a deluge of hateful comments. Despite these challenges, Mbappé remains a unifying figure, embodying both the pride and the tensions of France’s evolving cultural landscape.
