Kylian Mbappé leaves France camp with hyperextended knee and returns to Real Madrid for tests

Kylian Mbappé has withdrawn from the France squad and is heading back to Real Madrid after hyperextending his knee in the 1-0 UEFA Nations League victory over Turkiye. The striker will sit out the upcoming matches against Belgium and Italy while he waits for the results of medical scans that will establish the full extent of the problem.

• Mbappé scored the winning goal, his 67th for the French senior side.
• He was replaced in the 54th minute by Désiré Doué after a shot left him clearly in pain.
• France head coach Zinedine Zidane confirmed the player is not feeling OK and that no risks will be taken.
• Real Madrid do not play again in LaLiga until October 10, giving Mbappé time to recover.
• The injury is currently being treated as a precaution.

What happened to Mbappé during France vs Turkiye in the Nations League

The incident unfolded in the 54th minute of the France national team's match. After getting a shot away, Mbappé stayed down showing visible signs of pain and could not carry on. Zidane reacted immediately by bringing on Paris Saint-Germain forward Désiré Doué to take his place.

Before the setback, the Real Madrid star had once again been the difference. His goal sealed the 1-0 win and took his personal tally to 67 for Les Bleus, extending his status as France's all-time leading scorer. It came after a World Cup in which he hit 10 goals and claimed the Golden Boot ahead of Lionel Messi.

What Zidane said about Mbappé's knee injury

The France head coach did not hide his concern when asked about his forward's condition after the final whistle. He was clear about the plan agreed between the coaching staff and the player.

Things aren't going well. I think he'll return to Real Madrid. We're not going to take any risks. He developed hyperextension in his knee during the shot. It's not exactly encouraging for him to be able to continue. He is not feeling OK.

The French federation officially confirmed the injury and announced that Mbappé is leaving the camp to return to Madrid, where he will undergo an MRI scan to determine how serious the issue is.

When could Mbappé play again for Real Madrid

The schedule works in Real Madrid's favour this time. José Mourinho's side do not play their next league fixture until October 10, which gives Mbappé valuable room to work on his recovery without missing club competition, as long as the scans rule out a serious injury.

However, October is packed with challenges for Real Madrid, including two Champions League league phase matchdays and a Clásico against Barcelona on the horizon. If the French international were forced to miss significant time, his absence would be a major concern for Mourinho's plans.

Mbappé's injury record during the 2025-26 season

The caution shown by France is no coincidence. During the 2025-26 campaign, Mbappé missed nine Real Madrid matches due to a range of muscular and knee problems. That recent history makes it essential to handle him carefully, given how important he is for both his club and the national team.

What France lose without Mbappé and how Zidane can replace him

France face a demanding international break with three UEFA Nations League fixtures. The French take on Belgium twice and Italy once to settle their position in Group 1. Losing their main attacking reference forces Zidane to restructure his forward line during his first break as head coach, a role he took on after succeeding Didier Deschamps following the World Cup.

The coach has quality alternatives at his disposal, including Désiré Doué, Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembélé. None of them, however, guarantee the scoring output and influence that Mbappé brings. The games against the Belgians and Italians will not be easy for a France side already dealing with early setbacks.

The international window has already produced other high-profile injuries across European football. German striker Kai Havertz is returning to Arsenal with a similar issue, and Brian Brobbey picked up an injury with the Netherlands. Only one round of national team matches has been played, and several stars have already headed home early.