Mbappé Thanks French Fans in Open Letter After World Cup Exit

Following France's exit from the 2026 World Cup, captain Kylian Mbappé has penned an open letter to the French public, expressing his gratitude for their steadfast support throughout the tournament. The message, published in the press, reflects on the team's journey, which concluded with a semi-final defeat to eventual champions Spain.

“

You never abandoned us, even when we deserved it less.

Mbappé, who secured the tournament's top scorer award with 10 goals, acknowledged the pain of not achieving the ultimate prize. "It hurts and will still hurt for a while," he wrote, "but it would have been so much better with the cup as well." He emphasized that while the ending was not what they hoped for, the team gave their all, a fact he is proud of.

The letter highlighted the deep connection between the team and its supporters. Mbappé thanked fans for staying up late to watch matches, gathering in homes and bars across France and beyond. He specifically noted their unwavering presence, "even in the toughest moments, even when we deserved it less."

“

We perhaps owed you a better ending. But you don't always choose the end of the story, you choose what you put in it, and we put everything in. Of that, we are proud.

While reflecting on the World Cup, Mbappé also looked ahead. He thanked Didier Deschamps' staff, who are departing after 14 years, and reiterated that football remains a game of passion and simple objectives. The future of the French team, he suggested, will continue to be written, hinting at new chapters to come.

“

A month of emotion. Of surpassing oneself. Of pride in wearing the colors of France. Of passion, above all, the same that drives us on the field and drives you.