Kylian Mbappe was spotted enjoying a night out in Stockholm on the same evening that his France teammates secured a 4-1 victory against Israel in the Nations League. The 25-year-old forward has faced backlash in France for opting out of the matches against Israel and Belgium while being available to play for Real Madrid.

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After recovering from a muscle injury, Mbappe made his return to the pitch as a substitute in Real Madrid’s Champions League defeat to Lille last Wednesday. He played 71 minutes in a 2-0 win against Villarreal over the weekend but indicated he needed more rest to continue his recovery.

France coach Didier Deschamps omitted Mbappe from the squad, citing his lack of preparation and match fitness. Following his absence, Mbappe was seen dining at Chez Jolie and later visiting a nearby nightclub in Stockholm with friends.

Deschamps addressed the situation in a video released by the French Football Federation (FFF), emphasizing the clash between club and national team interests. He noted that Mbappe, as the captain, plays a significant role in the team dynamics, especially with both he and vice-captain Antoine Griezmann absent for the upcoming matches.

On selecting a new captain for the Nations League games, Deschamps mentioned the importance of understanding players’ characters and their ability to handle leadership responsibilities without compromising their performance.

Mbappe, who was instrumental in France’s 2018 World Cup victory, has scored 48 goals in 86 appearances for his country, making him the third highest scorer in French history, trailing only Olivier Giroud and Thierry Henry.