Kylian Mbappe, France’s captain, stated on Sunday that he will not represent his country in the Paris Olympics.
“For the Olympics my club has a position which is very clear so that means I think I will not participate in the Olympics. That is how it is,” Mbappe said.
The 25-year-old, who was speaking ahead of France’s first Euro 2024 game against Austria on Monday, has recently signed with Real Madrid and will join the European champions for the next season on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain.
The men’s Olympic football tournament began on July 24 and concludes on August 9.
The Spanish season begins a week later, and Madrid will also play Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup in Warsaw on August 14.
“Joining a new team in September would not be the best way to begin my adventure,” admitted Mbappe, who had previously stated a wish to be able to play for Thierry Henry’s French Olympic team.
“I wish the best to the France team. I will of course watch all their games as a spectator rather than an actor, and I hope they bring back the gold medal.”
This week Lionel Messi confirmed he would also not go to the Olympics, turning down the chance to win the gold medal with Argentina for a second time.