Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has defended Kylian Mbappe, insisting the France forward has been unfairly criticised during his time at Real Madrid and backing him to shine at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Wenger believes Mbappe has become the focus of criticism at the Spanish giants despite scoring 42 goals across all competitions.
Speaking to Le Figaro, the veteran French coach argued that the former Paris Saint-Germain star has been made a scapegoat for a Real Madrid side he believes is no longer as dominant as in previous years.
Wenger said: “There’s one man who is at the centre of all expectations: Kylian Mbappe.
“I’m ready to bet on it, he’s going to have a fantastic World Cup. He’s been unfairly criticised often this season.
“He landed in an average Real Madrid team. Real has three or four world-class players. Before, they had ten.
“Football is such that you always need a scapegoat. He’s become that.”
The former Arsenal boss also believes Mbappe’s physical condition could give France a major advantage heading into the tournament.
According to Wenger, the 27-year-old will arrive fresher than many international stars who have endured demanding club campaigns.
He said: “Kylian has everything it takes to have a great World Cup.
“He’s physically fresh, he’s not overworked.
“I’ve seen players with 60 matches under their belts before the World Cup tell me, I’m not making any progress in training and I have nothing left in my legs, but he’s not like that.
“There are international players who arrive completely exhausted.
“I haven’t seen many players have a great World Cup after a Champions League final.”
Wenger also tipped France to go all the way in the tournament, citing the quality and depth available to coach Didier Deschamps.
He acknowledged concerns about the team’s attacking balance but said modern footballers are capable of contributing defensively when required.
Wenger said: “I put them above the others. France have so much talent and Deschamps has experience.
“We have so many attacking players that the danger is being a little unbalanced offensively.
“But today, the modern player, even an attacking one, knows how to do his share of the defensive work.
“When you’re 0-0 against France with 20 minutes to go, you lose the match. Power makes the difference.”
France head into the World Cup among the favourites, with Mbappe expected to lead a squad packed with established stars and emerging talents as they chase a third world title.
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