Mbappé rules out playing for France's national team until age 41

During his media tour to support his candidacy for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, Kylian Mbappé, Real Madrid striker, gave an interview on Wednesday to the German daily. Aged twenty‑seven, the French player was asked about his future with the Bleus.

An ambition for the 2026 Ballon d’Or

The German outlet took advantage of Mbappé’s visit to Europe to detail his plan to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or. He explained that the promotional campaign involved several interviews, including this one. The goal was to boost his visibility ahead of the voting.

During the interview, he was asked whether he saw himself emulating his idol Cristiano Ronaldo and wearing the rooster‑embellished shirt until forty‑one years of age. Mbappé admitted admiring the Portuguese, but he highlighted the differences in their trajectories. He therefore dismissed the idea of extending his international career to that age.

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Now twenty‑seven years old, the Real Madrid striker said he does not imagine following in the footsteps of the five‑time Ballon d’Or winner. He believes the physical and mental condition required to play until forty‑one are rare. In his view, France would push him out well before his forties. The kid from Bondy thinks the Bleus will sideline him before he reaches that age.

“France will never let me play until forty‑one,” asserted the “Kyk’s” while citing his experience with the Bleus. He added that Cristiano proves that physical and mental condition can allow a long career, but that it does not apply to him. Mbappé has amassed one hundred and six caps for France and holds the record as top scorer with sixty‑six goals.

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