Did Kylian Mbappe want France call-up before latest snub? FFF president explains absence of Real Madrid 'Galactico' & what happens next

The World Cup-winning forward was overlooked in October due to fitness concerns, despite figuring at club level for Real Madrid while supposedly carrying a knock. Didier Deschamps has left Mbappe out again for upcoming UEFA Nations League clashes with Israel and Italy.

It has been suggested that Mbappe requested not to be selected, as questions are asked of his working relationship with Deschamps, but Diallo claims that is not the case. He told L’Equipe, "I believe so," when asked if the 25-year-old superstar was eager to join up with Les Bleus.

After the latest international break, France will not be in action again until the spring of 2025. Diallo hopes Mbappe can return to the fold next year, adding on future plans: "I especially hope that he returns as soon as possible to bring what he has already brought to the French team. He is an immense player who is currently in a more delicate period, as can happen. I hope that he can return to his best level as soon as possible."

He added on Mbappe’s absence: "It is simply a choice by the coach who calls up the best possible squad at that time. He considered that the best possible squad, the best possible balance, is the selection he made. Then, that leaves us until March for Kylian to find his place in the group."

Mbappe has earned 86 senior caps for France, scoring 48 goals – leaving him nine efforts short of Olivier Giroud’s all-time record. For now, the latest ‘Galactico’ arrival at Santiago Bernabeu is focused on club matters and finding a spark with Real Madrid after finding the target on eight occasions through 16 appearances for the Spanish giants.