Kylian Mbappe revealed a restriction imposed by Real Madrid, ahead of France’s EURO 2024 opener against Austria at 2 am on June 18. “Real Madrid’s stance is very clear, so I won’t be participating in the Paris Olympics,” Mbappe stated.
The French team captain added, “That’s how it is and I understand it. If I were to join France for the Olympics, I would join a new team in September, which isn’t the best way to start a new journey.”
The men’s football tournament at the Olympics begins on July 24, just 10 days after the EURO 2024 final, and concludes on August 9, slightly over a week before the start of the 2024/25 La Liga season. Mbappe had expressed a desire to represent France at the home Olympics, but negotiations were halted early by Real Madrid.
Moreover, the La Liga giants communicated to all associations that players from Real Madrid would not be released for the Paris Olympics. This move by Real Madrid is understandable, given Mbappe’s status as a blockbuster transfer prepared by President Florentino Perez over several seasons, both from a sporting and commercial perspective.
The club president has never been willing to spend a significant sum only to risk Mbappe entering a new season unprepared or at risk of injury.
Mbappe shared that wearing the Real Madrid jersey from next season, after his contract with PSG ends, is “a dream come true.”
Tonight at 2 am on June 18, Kylian Mbappe will kick off France’s quest at EURO 2024, starting against Austria before facing the Netherlands and Poland in Group B.
The 25-year-old forward is eager to lead France to European glory as captain, following his triumphs in the 2018 World Cup and Nations League.