Kylian Mbappé doubts France will let him play to 41

Kylian Mbappé believes public pressure in France would prevent him from extending his international career to the age of 41, as Cristiano Ronaldo has done with Portugal. The France captain made the remark jokingly while discussing the possibility of matching his former idol’s longevity at the highest level.

Mbappé’s international retirement is not currently close. The 27-year-old has won 106 caps and remains central to France after the team’s semi-final defeat by Spain at the 2026 World Cup. He is also pursuing the Ballon d’Or, the major individual prize still absent from his honours, and has presented himself as a leading contender in this year’s race.

Ronaldo’s continued involvement with Portugal has nevertheless shaped Mbappé’s view of career length. The French forward recognises that maintaining physical and mental condition can allow a player to perform at the top for many years, but does not expect the same path for himself because of the reaction he anticipates in France.

Mbappé is set to captain the team under new coach Zinédine Zidane on Friday, when France begins its Nations League campaign against Turkey. That assignment confirms that his immediate future remains with the national side, despite his doubts about reaching Ronaldo’s age.