Kylian Mbappe rejects Platini’s stance on abuse

Kylian Mbappe has rejected the idea that footballers must tolerate every form of criticism because fame, money and success come with the profession. The Real Madrid forward said racist abuse and other unacceptable attacks cannot be dismissed as part of life in the public eye.

Speaking to France Football, Mbappe said Michel Platini’s position reflected a different era of football and society. He said Platini, a three-time Ballon d’Or winner, had played in the 1970s and 1980s, when the sport and the profession operated under different conditions. Mbappe added that he respected Platini’s experience while disagreeing with his conclusion.

Platini had argued in a recent L’Equipe interview that players choose a highly visible career and must accept the consequences, including criticism and insults amplified by social media. Mbappe said there were limits that could not be negotiated, rather than a blanket obligation to accept everything directed at players.

He pointed to racist remarks made by a Paraguayan senator after France’s World Cup round-of-16 match against Paraguay. Mbappe said he received support from the Paraguayan government, French President Emmanuel Macron and football authorities over the incident. He also criticised the presence of people he described as exceptionally incompetent in important positions in 2026, saying he would continue opposing such conduct.