As the first match of the 2026 World Cup approaches, pitting France against Senegal on Tuesday, all eyes are on Kylian Mbappé’s form and mindset. The captain of the French team is going through a phase of self-doubt after two performances that fell short of expectations in the warm-up matches. This situation is sparking debates in the French football scene.
On the set of L’ÉQUIPE de Greg, consultant Ludovic Obraniak, a former Polish international, voiced his concerns about the attitude of the Real Madrid player. He believes Mbappé’s potential is not in question, but certain aspects of his behavior could hinder his full expression on the pitch.
“He is capable of changing because he has all the abilities to do so. But I fear that his ego always takes over,” said Ludovic Obraniak, as reported by Le10sport. This analysis highlights the supposed difficulty the player has in adapting his game when the collective dynamic isn’t in his favor or when he isn’t consistently at the center of offensive actions.
Obraniak also pointed out an implicit comparison with the evolution of other key players in the French locker room, notably Ousmane Dembélé, whose recent Ballon d’Or could have, according to some observers, triggered a particular reaction from Mbappé. However, the former midfielder believes this event hasn’t led to any significant change in the French captain’s approach.
He also mentioned insufficient defensive sequences during a match against Côte d’Ivoire, highlighting a lack of commitment: “He runs alongside, giving the illusion of defending. Goals are no longer enough,” he insisted. This criticism fits into a broader trend of increased demands on offensive leaders, who are now expected to contribute defensively as well.
These statements come amid intense media pressure surrounding the French team, just days before a highly anticipated clash against Senegal. The match is seen as an important test to measure the Blues’ ability to handle the intensity and physical impact of an African side known for its commitment.
In this climate, Mbappé’s own words from last March resonate strongly. The French captain had warned his teammates about the dangers of overconfidence: “If we arrive thinking we’re going to win the World Cup, the Senegalese will come at us hard.” This warning contrasts sharply with the current criticisms of his performance level and involvement.
With just days to go, the stakes for the French team remain twofold: to regain collective coherence and to allow its key players, starting with Mbappé, to meet the sporting and mental expectations of a competition at this level.
