Deschamps: Kylian Mbappe is 'on a mission' and of 'exceptional breed'

France head coach Didier Deschamps launched a strong defence of Kylian Mbappe, saying the Real Madrid-bound star is single-mindedly focused on leading Les Bleus as they enter the World Cup knockout rounds. Having returned from a brief leave following the funeral of his mother, Mbappe has, Deschamps insisted, not been distracted by outside narratives or his high-profile club career.

The manager highlighted the captain’s influence across the squad, both in goals and assists, pointing to the group-stage win over Norway as an example. Deschamps challenged the gap between the public image and the dressing-room reality, saying those who work with Mbappe see a different player.

"I told you from the first day: he is on a mission," he said, arguing that appearances rarely match the player’s true character.

France

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