Mbappé steps up for Dembélé amid pre‑Iraq criticism
- Nishadil
- June 22, 2026
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Mbappé defends vital Dembélé from criticism ahead of Iraq clash
Kylian Mbappé publicly backs Ousmane Dembélé, urging fans and media to stop the harsh scrutiny as France prepares for a friendly against Iraq.
When the talk turns harsh on the wing, Kylian Mbappé doesn’t hesitate to speak up. In the days leading up to France’s friendly against Iraq, the French forward took a moment on social media to champion his teammate Ousmane Dembélé.
"People love to point fingers when things go wrong, but they forget how hard we work," Mbappé wrote, a sentence that felt both casual and earnest. He added that Dembélé’s recent injuries have limited his minutes, yet the player still brings quality that the squad needs.
It’s not just a teammate’s defense; it’s a reminder of the fragile balance inside a national team. Fans love the flash‑ier stars, but when a player like Dembélé—still only in his mid‑20s—gets a bruising critique, it can erode confidence. Mbappé, aware of that, nudged the conversation back to unity.
“We’re all in this together,” he said, pausing for effect, “and the whole point is to go out there and play as a team, not to single out one player.” The message struck a chord with many, sparking a flood of supportive replies.
Even the coach, Didier Deschamps, seemed to echo the sentiment in the press conference that followed, emphasizing that each player’s contribution matters, especially in a match that serves as a testing ground before the upcoming Euro qualifiers.
As the clock ticks down to the Iraq encounter, the French camp appears more cohesive. Whether that translates into a smooth performance on the pitch remains to be seen, but Mbappé’s timely defense has already lifted a weight off Dembélé’s shoulders.
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