Kylian Mbappé's World Cup success can't shield him from racism and identity debate

Five years after nearly walking away from France's national soccer team following racist abuse, Kylian Mbappé remains one of the sport's biggest stars while continuing to face attacks over his identity.

The French captain considered quitting the national team after France's shocking Euro 2020 loss to Switzerland, when he was subjected to racist abuse on social media after missing the deciding penalty kick. Despite that experience, Mbappé returned to lead France to the 2022 World Cup final and now enters another World Cup semifinal as the country's leading scorer.

CNN reports that Mbappé's success on the field has not insulated him from racism. Instead, the Real Madrid forward has become a central figure in France's broader political debate over immigration, multiculturalism and national identity because of his Cameroonian and Algerian heritage.

Ahead of this year's World Cup, Mbappé publicly criticized France's far-right National Rally party, prompting responses from party leaders Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella. More recently, a Paraguayan senator sparked international outrage after making racist comments questioning Mbappé's French identity, remarks that were later withdrawn following widespread condemnation. French President Emmanuel Macron publicly defended the soccer star.

The article also highlights how Black French players have long faced questions about their identity. Former national team stars Karim Benzema and Patrice Evra have previously spoken about being viewed as fully French only when the team wins, but not after defeats.

As France prepares to face Spain in the World Cup semifinals, Mbappé once again carries the hopes of his country. But CNN notes that regardless of his achievements on the field, his place in France's national identity continues to be the subject of political debate.