Just like Boniface: Mbappe once considered quitting international football

Kylian Mbappe might be the face of French football, but even the captain of Les Bleus is not immune to moments of doubt.

Just months ago, the Real Madrid forward reportedly came close to walking away from international duty altogether, echoing the abrupt exit suggested by Nigeria’s Victor Boniface.

According to journalist Romain Molina, Mbappe seriously considered retiring from international football in late 2024 after being absent from two consecutive France squads.

While many assumed Didier Deschamps made the call, it was actually Mbappe himself who chose not to join the team during that period.

The reasons remain under wraps, but it is clear the absence sparked a personal crisis about his future in the blue shirt. Ultimately, it took a conversation with Deschamps to calm the storm.

The French captain decided to stay and has since returned to regular action, including starting up front in France’s recent 5-4 thriller against Spain, where he scored a penalty.

Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface has hinted at stepping away from Nigeria’s national team following another frustrating performance.

After being subbed off during a 1-1 draw with Russia, Boniface took to Instagram with a heartfelt post: “Proud to play for my country... I don hang boot.”

In Nigerian slang, that phrase typically signals retirement. Although not an official announcement, the statement mirrors the type of internal struggle Mbappe faced not long ago.

Whether Nigeria’s Boniface will reconsider, like Mbappe did a few months ago, remains to be seen, with the Super Eagles still to play crucial World Cup qualifiers in September and October, as well as the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in December.