Kylian Mbappé confirmed on Sunday that he will not play for the French Olympic team at the Paris Games because his new club, Real Madrid, is opposed to the idea.
The 25-year-old said in March that he was looking forward to playing in his country's Games, but because the Olympic soccer tournament is not on FIFA's calendar, clubs are not required to release their players.
Mbappe was not included in a 25-man preliminary squad for the Olympics earlier this month, although coach Thierry Henry left the door open.
“My club's position was very clear, so from that moment on I think [knew] “I will not participate in the Games,” Mbappé told reporters before Monday's Group D match against Austria at Euro 2024.
“That's the way it is and I understand it too. I'm joining a new team in September, so it's not the best way to start an adventure.
“I'm going to wish this French team all the best. I'm going to watch every game. I hope they win the gold medal.”
The Olympic men's football competition begins on July 24, 10 days after the European Championship final, and ends on August 9.
