Kylian Mbappé ruled out with knee injury, promises return to Madrid

Kylian Mbappé scored in the 54th minute of the Nations League match between France (FRA) and Turkey (TUR) in Izmit, but fell shortly afterwards with a knee injury. France held the final score 1‑0, while national team coach Zinedine Zidane confirmed that the star must return to Madrid.

Goal and injury

In the second half, captain Mbappé received the ball in the short corner after a cross from Michael Olise and struck the 1‑0 in the 54th minute. A few minutes later he collapsed onto the grass with an overstretched knee and was replaced by Désiré Doué.

France dominated the match, but created few big chances in the first half. After the goal, Doué, Jules Koundé and Olise remained dangerous, but they could not extend the lead.

Zidane's reaction and match timeline

Zidane confirmed after the match that Mbappé is leaving the squad: ‘He overstretched his knee on the shot. He is not feeling well and will have to return to Madrid. We will not take any risks.’

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France later had further chances via Doué, Koundé and Barcola, who in the 87th minute struck a free kick just beside the Turkish goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakir. Çakir blocked the ball with his arm, received a red card and was replaced by Altay Bayindir.

Turkey remained attacking, even with ten men. Arda Güler shot from a difficult angle beside goalkeeper Mike Maignan, and Michael Olise also missed a long‑range shot. Despite the red card, Turkey kept searching for an equaliser.

Zidane took over from Didier Deschamps last summer, who had been national team coach since 2012. France still have two friendlies against Belgium and one against Italy in this Nations League period.

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Zidane emphasized that he wants a ‘football bubble’ for France instead of a fashion show, hoping to keep the focus on the game.