Kylian Mbappé, Tchouaméni, Camavinga, Mendy: Only Three Are Called Up to the French National Team

The international break is upon us, and Didier Deschamps has announced his squad for France’s upcoming fixtures. As expected, Kylian Mbappé returns to the national team fold after missing the last two breaks. However, one Real Madrid player has been left out, continuing his absence from the squad.

Following the conclusion of the Champions League Round of 16, Deschamps made his selection, and only three out of four Real Madrid players made the cut. Kylian Mbappé, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Eduardo Camavinga have all been called up to represent Les Bleus, while Ferland Mendy finds himself overlooked once again.

With club football across Europe’s top five leagues set to pause for international duties, national teams are gearing up for key fixtures. For France, the upcoming games are in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals, where they will seek to reinforce their status as one of Europe’s elite teams.

Kylian Mbappé’s return to the national team is a significant talking point. The French captain missed the last two international breaks at the end of 2024, fueling speculation about his form and fitness. However, Deschamps’ faith in him remains unshaken, and this call-up presents an opportunity for the forward to reaffirm his leadership role within the squad.

The presence of both Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga further underscores Real Madrid’s influence on the French national team. Both midfielders have continued to impress under Carlo Ancelotti, playing crucial roles in the club’s La Liga and Champions League campaigns. Their selection was widely expected, given their recent performances at club level.

For Ferland Mendy, the snub is a continuation of a frustrating period in his international career. Once a regular consideration for Deschamps, the left-back has not been called up for several months. His omission this time around was further compounded by an untimely muscular injury, sustained during Real Madrid’s second-leg clash against Atlético Madrid in the Champions League Round of 16.

Mendy’s form this season has been inconsistent, and his attacking contributions have been limited. While he remains a reliable defensive presence for Real Madrid, his lack of offensive output might be a reason why Deschamps continues to overlook him. In a squad filled with dynamic full-backs, Mendy’s style of play may not align with the aggressive attacking approach France employs.

The competition for places in France’s defensive line remains fierce. Players like Theo Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard have solidified their spots, leaving little room for Mendy to break back into the squad. His absence from international duty could provide him with a much-needed rest period, but it also raises concerns about his long-term future with the French team.

Meanwhile, the international break will see several Real Madrid stars in action across different continents. On the African front, Brahim Diaz and Morocco will be engaged in crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers, hoping to secure their place on the global stage. In South America, Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo Goes will represent Brazil, while Federico Valverde will link up with Uruguay for their own qualification campaign.

With France entering the Nations League quarter-finals, the focus will be on how Deschamps utilizes his squad. Kylian Mbappé, despite his recent dip in form, will be expected to lead from the front. Tchouaméni and Camavinga, both known for their versatility, could play key roles in Deschamps’ midfield setup.

The decision to leave out Mendy also highlights Deschamps’ tactical considerations. In modern football, full-backs are expected to contribute significantly in attack, and Mendy’s limitations in this aspect might have been a deciding factor. His defensive prowess is unquestionable, but France may prefer more adventurous options on the flanks.

As for Mbappé, the upcoming games present a crucial moment in his season. The French captain has faced criticism for his performances against Real Betis and Atlético Madrid, leading to questions about his current form. This international break provides him with an opportunity to silence his critics and re-establish himself as the talisman of the French team.

Despite his struggles at club level, Mbappé remains a key figure for France. His leadership, experience, and goal-scoring ability make him indispensable, and Deschamps will count on him to deliver when it matters most.

Real Madrid fans will be closely watching their players during the international break, hoping they return fit and ready for the season’s decisive phase. With the La Liga title race and Champions League knockout rounds approaching, Madridistas will want their stars in peak condition.

For Ferland Mendy, the challenge remains to prove his worth and fight his way back into the national team setup. Whether through improved performances or tactical adjustments, he will need to convince Deschamps that he deserves another shot with Les Bleus.

The road to international redemption may not be easy for Mendy, but with the right mindset and consistent displays for Real Madrid, he could yet find his way back into the French squad in time for the major tournaments ahead.