A conversation between two generations of France’s iconic No. 10s and captains. Speaking on RTL, Michel Platini came to Kylian Mbappé’s defense, arguing that much of the criticism directed at him often goes beyond football. At the same time, he offered a piece of advice: remain the captain of all French people.
Platini has a major message for his successor. Like Mbappé, he wore the No. 10 shirt for France, captained the national team, and built a reputation as a strong personality. The former playmaker praised the Real Madrid forward’s talent and evolution, describing him as a player now more focused on efficiency and goals. For Platini, Mbappé remains a key figure despite a season marked by numerous controversies.
A Captain’s Responsibility
“Yes, I think people are too hard on him. Kylian is doing his job perfectly. His game has evolved; he is less of a dribbler and more of a scorer and finisher. He has been the top scorer in Spain with Real Madrid for two years. We are very harsh on Kylian, but it is more about his positions off the pitch than on it. The atmosphere has been more complicated,” Platini explained.
The three-time Ballon d’Or winner also advised the France captain regarding his public statements. In his view, a player wearing the captain’s armband and the France jersey represents the entire nation and must be extremely cautious when speaking on political matters. “He is right to take positions when he is not wearing the armband or the France shirt. If he is in Madrid or elsewhere, he can express political views. But with the captain’s armband and the France jersey, you play for all French people. It is difficult to take sides.”
Platini concluded by encouraging Mbappé to take inspiration from figures such as Zinedine Zidane, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo, who have generally remained neutral on political issues. “It is good when intelligent people speak about society. Footballers are not necessarily fools; some are quite intelligent. But communication and social media mean he should perhaps follow the example of Zidane, Messi, or Ronaldo, who rarely take positions on such matters. As soon as you take a stand, you risk upsetting half the world. You have to be careful and try to speak without saying too much.” It was a message of experience from one legendary No. 10 to the current leader of the French national team: embrace your opinions, but always be aware of the impact of your words.
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