Will Kylian Mbappe Play at Paris 2024 Olympics? France U21 Coach Thierry Henry Reveals

Having Kylian Mbappe is a blessing to any team in the world. The French National Team is the prime example. While he has tasted immense success with the Les Bleus at the World Cup, he has yet to participate in the Olympics. Unfortunately, it looks like his participation status at the Olympics will remain the same, at least for the upcoming 2024 Paris edition. Incidentally, Thierry Henry was appointed to the French U21 National Team and also equipped by the French FA to lead Les Bleus at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

In a recent presser, the Arsenal legend was questioned about Kylian Mbappe’s inclusion in his squad. However much to everyone’s surprise, Henry hinted that the PSG striker might miss the squad owing to his special selection criteria.

Kylian Mbappe will potentially miss out Paris 2024

The 2024 Olympics is bound to be historic for French players as it will be hosted in their home city Paris. Winning an Olympic gold on home soil is a feeling of the highest order and hence it’s no wonder that French soccer stars are dreaming of being part of the Olympic squad. Kylian Mbappe is someone who has openly stated his desire to be part of the squad. Unfortunately, it looks like he will miss out.

In a recent press conference, Thierry Henry was asked about Mbappe’s inclusion in his squad for the magnum opus event. His reply however stunned everyone as he hinted that Mbappe would miss the squad since he wants to include only U21 players in his squad.

“On the pitch, it would have been good,” said Henry appreciating the PSG star’s impact, “But unfortunately, I can’t help you. I’m very happy, but for the moment, the priority is for Euro Espoirs and I’m thinking of players born on January 1, 2002, and that’s already not bad,” said the gaffer confirming Mbappe’s exclusion from the squad. 

This statement will surely hurt the PSG star who has always dreamt of playing at the Olympics for his country.

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However, this also won’t come as a shock to the Frenchman as he had anticipated a decision like this months ago.

Throwback to when Mbappe revealed his course of action in case he got excluded

Earlier this year, Kylian Mbappe expressed his desire to play in the 2024 Olympics. The Frenchman also revealed that representing his country at the tournament has been his dream since his childhood.

“I don’t know if I’ll be there. But, in any case, I hope to be there,” the Paris-born told France TV Sport. “Everyone knows that I’ve always dreamed of playing in the Olympic Games.”

However, the Parisien striker had a contingency plan in case he got excluded from the squad. The Frenchman revealed that he wouldn’t force his way in and instead accept the decision with dignity. “If people do not want me to do them, that will mean that I must not do them,” said Mbappe with humility.

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Is Henry making the right choice with his selection criteria? Let us know your view in the comments below!