Criticism of Mbappe ‘very unfair’ - Dembele

Ousmane Dembélé, a forward for the French national team, has strongly defended captain Kylian Mbappé, describing the intense criticism directed at the Real Madrid star as "very, very unfair" and excessive. Dembélé believes the scrutiny, particularly following a season without trophies at Real Madrid and ongoing debates in France about his leadership since becoming captain in 2023, has crossed a line.

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The criticism towards him is very, very unfair. Some people go a bit too far with the criticism of Kylian.

"The criticism towards him is very, very unfair," Dembélé told Spanish newspaper Marca. "Some people go a bit too far with the criticism of Kylian." He suggested that Mbappé's global profile often leads to exaggerated reactions from fans and media alike. "He's an incredible player and a very good person off the pitch. Some people overdo the criticism because he's Kylian Mbappe. They shouldn't keep going after him."

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He's an incredible player and a very good person off the pitch. Some people overdo the criticism because he's Kylian Mbappe. They shouldn't keep going after him.

Dembélé also pointed out that even minor aspects of Mbappé's conduct are disproportionately magnified. "Whether he ties his shoelaces or not, whether he pulls up his socks or not… it's too much. He's still a human being. With the France team, he's very good with us, he's a leader," the winger added.

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Whether he ties his shoelaces or not, whether he pulls up his socks or not… it's too much. He's still a human being. With the France team, he's very good with us, he's a leader.

The comments come as Dembélé is experiencing a strong period in his career, being considered a contender for the Ballon d'Or after helping Paris Saint-Germain win back-to-back UEFA Champions League titles. Both Dembélé and Mbappé are expected to be crucial players for France in their upcoming World Cup campaign. Dembélé also expressed admiration for head coach Didier Deschamps, calling him an "exceptional coach" and a legend. He also welcomed the potential future appointment of Zinedine Zidane as the national team coach, stating, "We hope to welcome him one day to the France bench. I'm convinced he would do a fantastic job."

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He's simply an exceptional coach. He will forever remain a legend among French national team coaches.