Cameroon football legend Samuel Eto’o has claimed Kylian Mbappé does not receive the recognition he deserves in France despite his record-breaking achievements for the national team.
Speaking to Le Parisien, the former Barcelona and Inter Milan striker said the France captain continues to face scrutiny despite consistently delivering on the biggest stage.
Eto’o said: “He simply deserves to be judged with the same fairness as other great champions, and perhaps it’s time for France to fully appreciate how fortunate it is to have a player of such stature in its history.”
He added: “But despite his performances, his records, his list of achievements, and his consistency, he seems to constantly have to prove himself again.”
The president of the Cameroon Football Federation also questioned whether Mbappé’s mixed heritage could be influencing how some people perceive him.
He said: “It’s legitimate to ask a question, even if it’s uncomfortable: Do Kylian’s mixed heritage, his origins, and what he represents in French society influence, consciously or unconsciously, how some people judge his career, his personality, and his stances?”
Eto’o continued: “This question deserves to be asked responsibly, not to make unfounded accusations, but because racism, prejudice, and bias still exist in our societies and should never be normalised.”
The former striker also challenged critics to consider what more the Real Madrid forward must achieve.
“What more does Kylian Mbappe have to accomplish to be fully recognised as the best French player of his generation, or even as one of the greatest French players in history?” Eto’o asked.
Mbappé heads into France’s World Cup semi-final against Spain in outstanding form.
The 27-year-old has scored 20 World Cup goals since making his tournament debut in 2018, with only Argentina captain Lionel Messi, on 21, ahead of him on the competition’s all-time scoring list.
He is also tied with Messi on eight goals in the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot, although the France captain currently leads the standings on assists as Les Bleus prepare to chase a third consecutive World Cup final appearance.
