Kylian Mbappe miss out as France announce squad for Olympics 2024

France have announced their 25-man squad for the upcoming Olympics in Paris. The upcoming international multi-sport event is scheduled to take place from 26 July to 11 August at their home. Thierry Henry is set to manage the squad for the event but has made some tough decisions as some players are missing from the squad. The squad is mainly U-23 along with some senior players on the side. The tournament will begin soon after the UEFA Euro 2024. 

Therefore the majority of the senior players who are part of the Euro squad have missed out on the opportunity to play in the Olympics. Their star footballer was previously rumoured to be excluded from the squad as Real Madrid wants the footballer fully fit and remove the workload of the same. He was eager to participate in the multi-sport event and French President Emmanuel Macron was involved in trying to obtain Real's permission for Mbappe's involvement. But Florentino Perez rejected the request. 

As the event is outside FIFA's jurisdiction, clubs are not obliged to release players. So Henry was doubtful to name a strong squad that would be the favourites to win the tournament. From Lille OSC three players have got into the squad, Lucas Chevalier, Leny Yoro, and Bafode Diakite, while Stade Rennais has contributed Adrien Truffert, Desire Doue, and Arnaud Kalimuendo. Warren Zaire-Emery and Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain who are also in the Euro squad have been named. 

Former Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette will be leading the upfront along with two Crystal Palace superstars, Jean-Philippe Mateta, and Michael Olise, as the latter two have been amazing for the Eagles in the recently concluded English Premier League. Henry after announcing the squad said,  "Real Madrid were really straightforward about the Olympics. The last time I suffered this many rejections was back in my college days. There have not even been negotiations. You go, you ask, they say no and you leave."

Here's the provisional France squad for the Olympics

Goalkeepers: Lucas Chevalier, Obed Nkambadio, Guillaume Restes, Robin Risser

Defenders: Bafodé Diakité, Mazime Esteve, Bradley Locko, Castello Lukeba, Kiliann Sildillia, Adrien Truffert, Leny Yoro

Midfielders: Maghnes Akliouche, Joris Chotard, Desiré Doué, Manu Koné, Enzo Millot, Khephran Thuram, Lesley Ugochukwu, Warren Zaïre-Emery

Attackers: Bradley Barcola, Arnaud Kalimuendo, Alexandre Lacazette, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Michael Olise, Mathys Tel