Even when he is not there for France, the focus remains on Kylian Mbappé. On the eve of a high-risk Nations League match against Israel, France coach Didier Deschamps was asked Wednesday if he had spoken with Mbappé about his decision to leave the Real Madrid forward out of his squad.

French soccer faces a turbulent period as Kylian Mbappe, one of its brightest stars, grapples with both personal and professional challenges following his high-profile summer transfer to Real Madrid.

France coach Didier Deschamps has again emphasized that the fact that Kylian Mbappé was not included in his squad is not a sanction for the player. "Everyone has the right to go through a difficult time,