France captain Kylian Mbappe has come under intense public pressure following Real Madrid's recent domestic and continental struggles, drawing a strong defense from his national teammate Ousmane Dembele.
Mbappe joined Madrid on a free transfer in 2024, but the club has failed to win a trophy this season, while his former side Paris Saint-Germain secured two Champions League titles.
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The striker has been booed by his own fans at the Santiago Bernabeu, and an online petition demanding his departure gathered millions of signatures.
Dembele Calls Criticism Unfair
Speaking to Spanish newspaper Marca, PSG forward Ousmane Dembele said: "The criticism towards him is very, very unfair.
Some people go a bit too far with the criticism of Kylian."
Dembele highlighted Mbappe's character and leadership within the national team. "He's an incredible player and a very good person off the pitch.
Some people overdo the criticism because he's Kylian Mbappé. They shouldn't keep going after him."
He added: "Whether he ties his shoelaces or not, whether he pulls up his socks or not ... It's too much.
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He's still a human being. With the France team, he's very good with us, he's a leader."
France is set to open its World Cup campaign against Senegal on Tuesday, marking the final tournament for manager Didier Deschamps.
Speculation has linked former Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane to the upcoming managerial vacancy. Dembele said of Deschamps: "He's simply an exceptional coach.
He will forever remain a legend among French national team coaches."
He also expressed hope for Zidane's future involvement: "We hope to welcome him one day to the France bench.
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I'm convinced he would do a fantastic job."
