Real Madrid does not want its internationals to play in the Olympic Games in Paris next summer. This is a real concern regarding Kylian Mbappé and France. The Real Madrid leaders have taken action and sent an email to the officials of the French Football Federation, as well as other federations, to say that they will not let their players who are likely to compete in the Olympic football tournament this summer in France. With FIFA not including the Olympics in its calendar, clubs are free to refuse call-ups. Several Madrid players could potentially have a place in Thierry Henry’s team, who can select three players from the senior squad.
However, it is obviously Kylian Mbappé’s case that is sparking the most interest. The 25-year-old player has never hidden his desire to compete in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, and with his transfer to Madrid announced, he could face rejection from Florentino Perez. But according to Mohamed Bouhafsi, this worst-case scenario is not entirely predetermined, as the French star has significant influence and may have already reached an agreement during negotiations with his future club.
Speaking in a conversation with Farid Rouas, the journalist from France Télévisions and RTL believes that everything will end well for Kylian Mbappé and his desire to compete in the Olympic tournament, possibly even earning a Gold medal, which could bring him closer to the Ballon d’Or. “I don’t think Emmanuel Macron will intervene to ensure Kylian Mbappé plays in the Olympic tournament, even though he is a huge football fan, as well as an OM supporter (…). But I am willing to make a small bet because I believe Kylian Mbappé will compete in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and for that, he is capable of making Real Madrid bend,” said the former head of RMC Sports’ editorial team. Mohamed Bouhafsi, often well-informed even after leaving sports journalism, likely has insider information to make such a statement. The answer to this question will come in a few weeks, once Thierry Henry finalizes his list of players selected for the 2024 Olympics, a list that the U-23 coaches will have to get approved by the various clubs.
