Mbappe on Benzema 'betrayal': I'll explain myself to him
FT Desk
- Updated: 24 May 2022 11:33 BST
- 4 min read
Kylian Mbappe has responded to Karim Benzema’s betrayal dig as the relationship between the pair risks turning ugly.
The duo have enjoyed a fantastic relationship both on and off the pitch, ever since Benzema returned to the France national team fold prior to Euro 2020.
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They gelled brilliantly in attack as France won the UEFA Nations League last year and both have regularly spoken publicly over how well they get on with each other.
This bromance was about to reach new heights with Mbappe seemingly certain to join Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer.
But in a dramatic turnaround, Mbappe signed a three-year extension with PSG.
This has infuriated everyone associated with Real Madrid – and none more so it seems than Benzema himself.
What did Benzema say?
According to reports in Spain, Benzema feels betrayed by his friend.
Benzema’s recent social media posts suggest as much.
First of all, Mbappe posted an image on Instagram of his hand pointing to the Real Madrid crest.
And then, more chillingly, he posted an image of the legendary late rapper Tupac.
📸 Karim Benzema is not happy with Kylian Mbappe after posting a picture on Instagram of Tupac & the friend that betrayed him. pic.twitter.com/GtFnR4dxtg
— TFS - Top Football Show (@TopFootballShow) May 21, 2022
In the background of the image is a friend of Tupac who has been alleged to have betrayed the rapper in the lead-up to his death in 1996.
Tupac died at the age of 25 after being shot in a drive-by in Las Vegas.
By posting this image, some believe that Benzema was accusing Mbappe of betraying him.
Mbappe himself has since responded to Benzema’s posts.
What did Mbappe say to Benzema?
“Yes, yes, and I saw several Real Madrid players publishing things. I have nothing to say,” Mbappe told Marca.
“Of course, when I go to the French national team, I will explain to Karim why I stayed at PSG because we have a good relationship.”
Mbappe added during his recent press conference: “I know everyone was talking about Karim and Kylian, Kylian and Karim… but when we were with the national team, we were only talking about the evening meal. We weren’t talking about Real Madrid.
Mbappe meeting Benzema in the French National team
Mbappe : look man this time for real I will join Madrid in 2025.
Benzema: pic.twitter.com/8LbnKXVFXQ— ahmed baokbah 🇸🇦 🏎✈️ (@ahmed_baokbah) May 22, 2022
“I didn’t didn’t want to force this thing. When we see each other, we’ll discuss it. He’ll ask me why and I’ll explain this choice to him.”
France national team coach Didier Deschamps will certainly be hoping that the pair can clear the air during these discussions.
With the World Cup just over five months away, the last thing Deschamps needs is his two star attackers having a broken relationship.
France have been riddled by in-fighting during numerous tournaments in the past, most infamously during the 2010 World Cup when there was a mutiny against coach Raymond Domenech.
Benzema himself was in exile from the France national team for over five years until his return last year.
