Mbappe has no issue with France critics after 50th international goal

Kylian Mbappe welcomes it when critics point out when he is not scoring for France as it "puts respect on my name".

The Real Madrid superstar scored his 50th international goal as France defeated Germany 2-0 in Stuttgart to seal third place in the 2024-25 Nations League, with only Thierry Henry (51) and Olivier Giroud (57) scoring more for Les Bleus.

It marked Mbappe's first open-play goal for his country in 12 months, with his previous two for Les Bleus coming from the penalty spot.

Having also set up Michael Olise for the late second, he has now registered a goal and an assist in 17 matches for his country. No player who has featured in a minimum of 10 games for France has done so more than the Real Madrid forward. 

Speaking to TF1 after the game, he was asked whether it bothered him when people pointed out his lack of open-play goals, to which he replied: "No. There are times like that. 

"It's good that people point it out when I don't score, because it means people are waiting for me to score. It puts respect on my name. 

"Now, that's how it is. I've had episodes that have delayed the outcome a little. I'm happy to start scoring again, I've scored two matches in a row, but I'm especially happy to win, that's the most important thing."

With their Nations League campaign now at an end, the focus for Didier Deschamps' men is qualifying for the World Cup.

France were victors in 2018 and runners-up in 2022 to Argentina and Mbappe was keen to stress the importance of putting energy into qualifying.

"I talk about it all the time. It's the most important competition for us. Representing your country at the World Cup is the best thing ever," he added.

"Now we have to qualify. The real story will begin in September  with the first qualifying match against Ukraine. We'll have to get involved right away to begin the long journey that is the World Cup."

France lost a dramatic semi-final to Spain 5-4 on Thursday, a game in which they trailed 5-1 before a late rally.

Asked what the team had learned over the two games, Mbappe said: "We learned a lot from both matches, both positive and negative. At least we weren't bored... 

"There are a lot of things to analyse. We wanted to react after the defeat against Spain. That's what we did. We're very happy. 

"Against a German team that was playing at home, we know it's never easy against them."