Mbappe goes to World Cup amid critics' scrutiny after a tough season in Madrid

The France captain failed to score in warm-up matches against Ivory Coast and Northern Ireland and finished the campaign at Real Madrid without any silverware, despite being La Liga's top scorer.

His performances, leadership and conduct away from the pitch have become frequent topics of discussion after Real Madrid fell short in both the Champions League and the domestic title race.

Mbappe has also faced criticism over his leadership since taking over as captain from Hugo Lloris in 2023, with 1998 World Cup winner Frank Leboeuf among those questioning whether he is the right man to lead Les Bleus.

Yet inside the France camp, support for Mbappe appears steadfast.

Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele, who has become one of the team's most influential players, said the criticism aimed at his long-time teammate and close friend had gone too far.

"The criticism towards him is very, very unfair," Dembele told Spanish newspaper Marca this week.

"Some people overdo the criticism because he's Kylian Mbappe. They should not keep going after him. Whether he ties his shoelaces or not, whether he pulls up his socks or not, it is too much. He is still a human being.

"With the France team, he is very good with us, he is a leader."

Defender Lucas Hernandez struck a similar note, saying Mbappe remained completely focused despite the noise around him.

"When you are Kylian Mbappe, everyone looks at everything you do, on the pitch and off the pitch," Hernandez said.

"He is 100% motivated for the World Cup. All the criticism there has been this season, he is going to silence it."

France are among the favourites to lift the trophy and Didier Deschamps is embarking on his final tournament in charge, giving Mbappe an immediate chance to shift the conversation back to what he does best.

If there is one stage on which Mbappe rarely disappoints, it is the World Cup, where France will also face Iraq and Norway in Group I.

He has scored 12 times in 14 World Cup matches, leaving him only four goals short of Miroslav Klose's all-time record of 16 and offering a reminder of how quickly he can silence his critics.

Another goal would put him at the top of the list of France's all-time scorers alongside the retired Olivier Giroud (57).