Thursday, November 12, 2026

Kylian Mbappe has reportedly become involved in a disagreement with France manager Zinedine Zidane, following growing tensions between the Real Madrid forward and the national team coach during the ongoing international break, according to a report by GOAL on Thursday, November 12, 2026.

The French captain has recently attracted attention amid reports suggesting that he is unhappy with his current physical condition and is unwilling to take unnecessary risks by featuring in France's UEFA Nations League fixture against Italy.

Reports indicate that Zidane has adopted a strict approach towards the situation and is unwilling to offer Mbappe the special treatment he allegedly received under former France manager Didier Deschamps.

The reported disagreement has raised concerns about the atmosphere within the French camp, with questions also being asked about the forward's relationship with certain members of the squad.

Tensions between Mbappe and Zidane are believed to have started during the previous international break when the manager decided to move the Real Madrid attacker to the left wing to accommodate Ousmane Dembele in the central attacking role.

The tactical adjustment attracted considerable attention because Mbappe has traditionally played a significant role in France's attacking system. Some observers viewed the decision as a possible change in the team's attacking structure and hierarchy, although Mbappe has not publicly complained about his position.

The forward later joined his international teammates ahead of France's Nations League matches against Italy and Turkey. However, Zidane confirmed that the 27-year-old would not participate in the encounter against Italy because of a hamstring problem.

Explaining the situation, the France manager said Mbappe had experienced slight discomfort and that the technical team did not want to take any unnecessary risks with his fitness.

Zidane also expressed optimism that the attacker would recover sufficiently to feature in France's subsequent meeting with Turkey on Sunday.

Despite the official explanation surrounding the injury, French television presenter Cyril Hanouna has alleged that the situation involves more than just a physical problem.

Speaking during an appearance on C8's programme, Tout beau, tout neuf, Hanouna claimed that Mbappe was reluctant to participate because he was not in his best physical condition and did not consider the Italy fixture particularly important.

The television personality suggested that the forward was not enthusiastic about playing in the competition because it was a Nations League encounter rather than a major international tournament.

Hanouna also claimed that Zidane was prepared to handle the situation differently from his predecessor, insisting that the current manager would not be as accommodating towards the Real Madrid star as Deschamps reportedly was.

According to the presenter, Zidane responded firmly to Mbappe's alleged reluctance and made it clear that the forward would remain with the national team even if he was unavailable for the match against Italy.

Furthermore, Hanouna suggested that disagreements previously overlooked under Deschamps would no longer be tolerated by the new manager.

He also alleged that relations between Mbappe, Zidane and some members of the French squad had become increasingly uncomfortable.

However, the claims surrounding the alleged disagreement and dressing-room tensions have not been independently verified. Neither Mbappe nor Zidane has publicly confirmed having a personal dispute.