Thierry Henry Reveals How Kylian Mbappe’s Move to Real Madrid May Make Paris Olympics Participation ‘Tricky’

The prospect of top players competing in the Olympics electrifies soccer fans across the globe. With players like Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria showing interest earlier, Kylian Mbappe also wants to swing with his national team for the Olympics in July. The Frenchman has won a FIFA World Cup to his name, but adding an Olympic medal would definitely be a cherry on top. But, with few possibilities, former player and icon Thierry Henry explains why his move to Real Madrid may make his participation unclear.

The rules for selecting squads for soccer in the Olympics are quite different from other soccer tournament rules. Only three players over the age of 23 are allowed to make their way onto the team. And Mbappe, being 25 now, could occupy one of the spots. However, it is the club rather than the limit that is a problem.

Real Madrid is a hassle for Mbappe’s availability for the Olympics

The Paris Saint-Germain #7 is moving out of the club this summer and is expected to arrive at Real Madrid. But this can prevent him from joining the French Olympic squad, as he will move out of the country, according to Henry. Speaking on CBS, Henry said, “It will depend on the team.” “The only big games are not on the FIFA date, so the teams can say no, you know, in terms of releasing the players. It’s not a matter of wanting; it’s more, can he? Will he have the approval of his team to come?” FIFA has given clubs the authority to release the players or not.

Nevertheless, having never participated in the Olympics previously, Mbappe is keen on playing in the prestigious tournament. The 2022 World Cup Golden Boot winner earlier said, “It will mean the world to me.” As the Olympics will take place at his home, being rooted at PSG would have given him a bigger chance.

According to Henry, teams in France may release the players, but teams away, like Madrid, will make it tricky. Henry further said, “The problem that I will have is the players that are playing for teams abroad, which they don’t have to send them. That’s going to be tricky.” Additionally, it’s the Euro, which can make squad selection tough for coach Didier Deschamps.

Real Madrid Icon Highlights Carlo Ancelotti’s Biggest ‘Problem’ Citing Kylian Mbappe’s Move

Kylian Mbappe was already denied an opportunity at the 2020 Olympics by PSG, as they had already allowed him for the Euro 2020. And the majority of the big players do not play in such high-profile tournaments in quick succession. On the whole, Henry feels that Deschamps will have a challenge picking his squad for the Olympics.

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