The recent absence of Kylian Mbappé from a marketing campaign involving the French national team has reignited the debate over image rights within the squad. Can the star forward truly “shift the narrative,” as he has suggested? And if so, what direction might this take?
What is Mbappé Challenging?
The Paris Saint-Germain forward is contesting the agreement he signed upon joining the french national team in 2017. This contract outlines the responsibilities—such as adhering to ethical standards, participating in team activities, and allowing the use of his image in collective promotions—that every international player must fulfill in exchange for a €25,000 match bonus.
According to his representatives, the agreement, which has “never been renegotiated” since his debut, “no longer aligns with the values of football or the individual identities of the players.” In a statement to AFP, they called for discussions with the French Football Federation (FFF) to “enhance the existing framework for the collective good.”
However, questions linger about Mbappé’s exact demands, especially since he has pledged to donate all his match bonuses to charitable causes.
“While Mbappé’s team frames this as a matter of ethics and support for grassroots football, their true aim appears to be the individualization of image rights. Yet, the France team operates on a principle of equality, which is a cornerstone of its success,” commented a source close to the federation.
Mbappé’s lawyer, Delphine Verheyden, elaborated on his stance in an interview with L’Équipe, advocating for “regular collective renegotiations” and warning against “the risk of misrepresenting players’ images.” She emphasized, “Kylian wants to have a say in how his image is used.”
How Do His Teammates Feel?
This isn’t the first time the French national team has faced tensions between individual branding and collective partnerships. Past players have navigated similar challenges.
As an example, Raphaël Varane, a former ambassador for Jaguar, once found himself in a tricky situation when the FFF partnered with Volkswagen, while his club, Real Madrid, had ties to Audi.
“You can’t promote Jaguar one day, Audi the next, and Volkswagen the day after,” noted Frank Hocquemiller, VaraneS former image agent, who worked with FFF president Noël Le Graët to revise the agreement. “that experience taught us the importance of dialogue with the Federation. since then,we’ve been able to find solutions through discussion,” hocquemiller told AFP.
Could Mbappé’s stance inspire others to follow suit? “I hope this doesn’t set a precedent for others,” Hocquemiller cautioned.
Varane, reflecting on the issue, stated, “There’s clearly room for improvement. The specifics can be debated, but many players face similar challenges. We need progress and open discussions.”
Captain Hugo Lloris also weighed in,acknowledging,”Given Kylian’s immense influence and marketability,it’s natural for these questions to arise.”
What Does this Mean for the French National Team?
FFF president Noël Le Graët, who prefers dialogue over “punitive measures,” has committed to meeting with Mbappé’s representatives before the team’s next matches in June. He expressed confidence that a resolution would be reached with the World Cup winner.
A long-planned meeting between the FFF and its major sponsors is also on the horizon, providing an opportunity to address concerns raised by Mbappé’s recent “boycott” of marketing activities.
Delphine Verheyden has proposed amendments to the national team’s agreement, suggesting the inclusion of a “conscience clause” and a “right of inspection” for players. She argues that the current system “needs greater versatility to accommodate individual circumstances.”
Frank Hocquemiller echoed this sentiment, stating, “The agreement should allow players to decline partnerships for valid reasons, such as conflicts with their club, personal sponsors, or even personal beliefs like avoiding junk food endorsements.” However, he opposes the idea of individualized contracts based on a player’s fame, emphasizing, “In a club, disparities exist because it’s an employer-employee relationship. But the national team is unique—no single player’s interest should outweigh the collective.”
F stagnation in the current system.” She emphasized that the current framework does not account for the evolving landscape of football, where players’ individual brands and marketability have grown exponentially. Verheyden argued that the existing agreement, which treats all players equally in terms of image rights, fails to reflect the unique contributions and global appeal of star players like Mbappé.
### The Broader Implications of Mbappé’s Stand
Mbappé’s challenge to the status quo has sparked a broader conversation about the balance between individual and collective interests in modern football. On one hand, the French national team’s ethos of equality has been a key factor in its recent successes, including the 2018 FIFA World Cup victory. The team’s unity and shared purpose have frequently enough been cited as a model for other nations. On the other hand, the rise of social media and the increasing commercialization of football have given players unprecedented opportunities to build their personal brands.
Critics of Mbappé’s stance argue that individualizing image rights could disrupt team harmony and create divisions within the squad. They point to the potential for resentment among players who may feel undervalued or overlooked if star players are granted more favorable terms. Conversely, supporters of Mbappé’s position contend that the current system is outdated and fails to reward players fairly for their contributions both on and off the pitch.
### The Role of the French Football Federation (FFF)
The FFF now finds itself at a crossroads. While the federation has historically prioritized collective agreements, it must also navigate the realities of a rapidly changing sport. Mbappé’s case highlights the need for a more flexible approach that can accommodate the diverse needs and aspirations of its players. The FFF’s response to this challenge will likely set a precedent for how other national teams handle similar issues in the future.
In a statement, the FFF acknowledged the importance of addressing players’ concerns but reiterated its commitment to maintaining the team’s unity. “We are open to discussions with our players to ensure that our agreements reflect the evolving nature of football,” the statement read. “Though, we must also preserve the principles that have made our team successful.”
### What’s Next for Mbappé and the French National Team?
As the debate over image rights continues,all eyes will be on Mbappé and the FFF to see how they navigate this complex issue. Will Mbappé’s push for change lead to a renegotiation of the current agreement, or will the FFF hold firm in its commitment to collective principles? The outcome of this standoff could have far-reaching implications not only for the French national team but also for the broader footballing world.
In the meantime,Mbappé’s absence from the marketing campaign serves as a stark reminder of the tensions that can arise when individual and collective interests collide. Whether he can truly “shift the narrative” remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the conversation he has sparked is far from over. As football continues to evolve,so too must the systems and agreements that govern it.The challenge lies in finding a balance that honors both the individual and the collective, ensuring that the sport remains as dynamic and inclusive as the players who define it.
