Zidane dismisses Mbappé rift reports before France faces Turkey in Nations League

Rumours of a rift

Captain Kylian Mbappé missed France's 3-1 defeat in Italy on Thursday, 12 November, officially because of an injury. He had hurt his hamstring in training on Wednesday, 11 November, and resumed training on Friday, 13 November. Reports then circulated of a dressing-room argument with Zidane and of Mbappé being left out for tactical reasons. The most detailed version came from L'Équipe, which, as cited by the Portuguese daily SAPO, linked the alleged tension to tactical changes Zidane has made since taking over the national team after the 2026 World Cup. Zidane, who replaced Didier Deschamps as coach, reportedly prefers Mbappé on the left of the attack rather than in the centre, where the captain wants to play, as he does at Real Madrid.

Zidane's response

Zidane addressed the rumours at a press conference in Bordeaux on Saturday, 14 November, describing his relationship with Mbappé as perfect for both the player and himself. He said he would not enter the debate and that he has the same kind of relationship a coach has with any player. He dismissed the claims and said it was a pity that such an image was being created. Asked again whether the rumours bothered him, he did not hide his irritation.

“I cannot stop people saying what they say. It is nonsense, and it is rather irritating.”

On Mbappé's availability, Zidane said that having the striker in the squad changes everything for the team.

“I prefer to have him with us than not to have him.”

Sunday's match in Bordeaux

Zidane confirmed that Mbappé, who sat out the Italy game, is fit to face Turkey on Sunday, 15 November, in Bordeaux. France sit second in Group 1, level on points with Italy. According to RTBF, France need a draw against Turkey to qualify for the Nations League quarter-finals, while Fanpage reported that a win could decide top spot in the group. SAPO noted that France's place in the quarter-finals is not yet guaranteed. Zidane told reporters that the team's approach on Sunday would speak for itself.

Key dates

Mbappé's problems began shortly after Zidane's first match in charge, a game in Turkey on 25 September, when he picked up a left knee injury. He then missed the team's last four matches before the Italy defeat. The timeline below shows the sequence from the injury to the Turkey match.

France play Turkey in Bordeaux on Sunday, 15 November, with the quarter-final place at stake.