The knee is fine, the talent intact
Traffic to get to Gillette Stadium was chaos. But Kylian Mbappé’s left knee did not cause any problems. The French striker responded with a great goal in the high-level friendly that France won 2-1 against Brazil.
“He has a lot of desire, a lot of pain in his legs,” said Didier Deschamps. “Beyond that — the quality to make a difference, it has always had it.”
That quality was seen at 32 minutes. A filtered pass from Dembélé, a forward control and a mischief over the goalkeeper. Goal. Pure Mbappé essence.
The most important thing: zero signs of the sprain that kept him out for almost a month with Real Madrid. He played 65 minutes, the limit agreed upon with the coaching staff, and was applauded.
An essay with a World Cup flavor
This match was more than a friendly. It was a general test on the same field where France will play its last group stage match of the 2026 World Cup, against Norway and Haaland.
In front of 66,215 people (the majority wearing the yellow jersey of Brazil), the French show character. Ekitike made it 2-0 shortly before Mbappé came off. Bremer scored for Brazil in the 78th minute, but it was not enough.
The atmosphere was spectacular. Brazilian fans everywhere, some NBA Celtics in the stands, and even a coin toss with Jayson Tatum and Governor Healey.
There was also controversy: Upamecano saw red after a video review for a foul as a last defense.
And the new “cooling pause” that the 2026 World Cup will have was tested, although here in Foxborough it was only 15 degrees.
What is clear is that Mbappé is ready. He himself said this week that the injury was “really behind us.” And on the field he showed it. When they have that spark, France is another team.
Now to think about summer. On this same grass, with much more at stake.
