FOXBOROUGH, United States, July 8,  (v7n) – Kylian Mbappe's critics may question his team credentials, but the France superstar is thriving as captain at this World Cup, determined to lead Les Bleus to a third title.

The 27-year-old had a challenging end to last season with Real Madrid, facing boos from fans who doubted his commitment while managing an injury. Despite scoring 86 goals in two seasons, he couldn't deliver a major trophy for Real, and his departure from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024—as their all-time top scorer but without a Champions League win—coincided with PSG winning Europe's elite competition in the two seasons since.

However, it's his relationship with the World Cup that defines Mbappe. With seven goals in five games ahead of Thursday's quarter-final against Morocco, the 2018 World Cup breakthrough star and hat-trick hero in the 2022 final defeat to Argentina is chasing Lionel Messi for the Golden Boot and the tournament's all-time scoring record—though he insists personal accolades aren't his priority.

"I know people talk about the stats. I watch the TV too. But my only focus is on helping the team and getting us back here on July 19," he said after the last-32 win over Sweden.

Mbappe's leadership was evident in the last-16 victory over Paraguay, where he stood up to opposition provocation and refused to shake the goalkeeper's hand after a bad-tempered match. When racially abused online by a Paraguayan politician, he responded forcefully, calling her "despicable." He was defended by French President Emmanuel Macron and FIFA chief Gianni Infantino.

Coach Didier Deschamps defended Mbappe's character: "You make him out to be a dictator but people have an image of Kylian which is really not the reality. He is an extraordinary player and when he talks he does so in the name of the whole team."

Deschamps appointed Mbappe captain in March 2023 over Antoine Griezmann, believing he could handle the responsibility. Despite a mixed Euro 2024 (broken nose, one goal), Mbappe returned strongly, scoring eight goals in seven international appearances between June 2025 and March 2026.

His close bond with Deschamps was clear when he celebrated his first goal against Sweden by embracing the coach, whose mother had died days earlier. "He is on a mission and has been since the first day," Deschamps said, counting on Mbappe to lead France to a third straight final before the coach steps down after 14 years.

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