Mike Maignan Breaks Silence on His Relationship with Kylian Mbappé

Mike Maignan has finally addressed the rumors that have long suggested a strained relationship with French teammate Kylian Mbappé. In the wake of France’s 3-1 victory over Italy in the Nations League, the AC Milan goalkeeper took to Instagram to set the record straight, aiming to put an end to the speculation and clarify the truth about his bond with the French captain.

In his Instagram story, Maignan wrote: “Always restore pride and truth. There is no problem between Kylian Mbappé and me. Do not use names wrongly for buzz or for anything else.” His direct statement came as a response to long-standing rumors that hinted at tension between him and Mbappé, fueled by recent discussions about Maignan potentially taking over as the captain of Les Bleus.

The rumors intensified following Mbappé’s temporary absence from the squad, which led to speculation that the AC Milan goalkeeper might be in line for a leadership role. However, despite the discussions, the French captaincy was ultimately handed to other key figures in the squad, including N’Golo Kanté, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Ibrahima Konaté, as coach Didier Deschamps looked to make a decision on leadership during this international window.

Maignan’s message was clear: the rumors were unfounded. The goalkeeper’s decision to speak out was likely motivated by the need to quell any suggestions of disharmony within the team. The French squad has always prided itself on unity and togetherness, and Maignan’s statement serves as a firm denial of any reported tension between him and Mbappé.

Mbappé’s absence from the current international window, which saw France’s impressive 3-1 victory over Italy, was part of Deschamps’ decision to rest the star forward for this particular break. The match against Italy, which followed a frustrating 0-0 draw against Israel, was an opportunity for the team to prove their strength without their captain. With a standout performance, the French team showed that their success is not solely dependent on one player, and this victory helped restore a sense of normalcy and morale in the squad.

Looking ahead, the next international break for the French national team is scheduled for March 2025, when it is expected that Kylian Mbappé will make his return to the squad. By that time, it seems that the rumors and tensions will have dissipated, and relations between Maignan, Mbappé, and the rest of the team will be fully restored.