France striker Kylian Mbappe has announced that he will not participate in the Paris 2024 Olympics due to a decision made by his new club, Real Madrid.
The 25-year-old, who had expressed a strong desire to compete in the Games in his home country, was excluded from France’s provisional Olympic squad on June 3. This exclusion followed Real Madrid’s stipulation that any player involved in Euro 2024 could not take part in the Olympics.
Mbappe has agreed to join Real Madrid on a free transfer once his contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) expires on June 30.
“My club’s position was very clear, so from that moment on, I think I won’t be taking part in the Games,” Mbappe stated. He is currently part of the French squad that will commence their Euro 2024 campaign against Austria in Düsseldorf on Monday.
“That’s just the way it is, and I understand that too. I’m joining a new team in September, so it’s not the best way to start an adventure,” he added. “Now I think I’m going to wish this French team all the best. I’m going to watch every game. I hope they’ll bring home the gold medal.”
The men’s Olympic football competition kicks off on July 24, just ten days after the Euro 2024 final, and concludes on August 9, a little over a week before the new La Liga season begins. The tournament features under-23 teams, though each nation is allowed to include three over-age players in their squad.
France, two-time European champions, are among the favorites to win Euro 2024. Manager Didier Deschamps is aiming to make history by becoming only the second person to win the European Championship both as a player and as a manager, following in the footsteps of Germany’s Berti Vogts.
Mbappe’s absence from the Olympics is a significant blow to the French team, but the striker remains supportive and optimistic about their chances. “I hope they’ll bring home the gold medal,” he concluded, expressing his confidence in the team’s potential.