Kylian Mbappé has left the France squad after suffering a left knee tendon injury during the team’s 1-0 Nations League victory over Türkiye on September 25, 2026. The France captain will return to Real Madrid for treatment and has been ruled out of the next three Nations League matches.
Mbappé decided the opening match with the only goal of the game, taking his international tally to 67 goals and extending his record as France’s leading scorer. However, moments after finding the net, he appeared to feel discomfort in his left knee and was withdrawn by head coach Zinédine Zidane. [1][2]
How Mbappé’s injury happened
The injury occurred shortly after Mbappé’s goal against Türkiye. He limped away from the incident before being substituted, although he was able to walk off the pitch under his own power. The France camp subsequently identified the problem as a knee tendon injury rather than announcing a more serious structural diagnosis. [2][3]
France later confirmed that Mbappé would leave the squad and travel back to Madrid for treatment. The decision removes one of the world’s most influential attacking players from the immediate Nations League schedule, while further assessment will take place under the care of Real Madrid’s medical team. [3][4]
When will Mbappé return?
There is no confirmed return date in the information released by France. What is clear is that Mbappé will miss France’s next three Nations League fixtures as he begins treatment for the knee tendon problem. His eventual comeback will depend on his recovery and the results of further medical assessment. [4]
The fact that Mbappé walked off the field without assistance may offer some immediate reassurance, but it does not establish the severity of a tendon injury. France and Real Madrid are therefore expected to take a cautious approach before deciding when he can resume training and matches.
What Mbappé’s absence means for France
Mbappé’s departure is a major setback for Zidane’s side. He had already provided the decisive moment against Türkiye, scoring the goal that gave France all three points and further strengthened his position at the top of the country’s scoring charts. [1]
France must now navigate three Nations League matches without its record goalscorer. The team will need to redistribute Mbappé’s attacking responsibilities, with other forwards likely to take on greater roles while he concentrates on his recovery.
The timing also means that the next phase of France’s campaign will be followed closely for signs of how the side adapts without its captain and principal attacking threat. Results during his absence could influence the team’s position in the Nations League and shape expectations around his return.
Why the injury matters to Real Madrid
Mbappé’s return to Madrid places the focus on his club’s medical staff as they manage the next stage of his recovery. The available reports do not provide a timetable for his return to club football, and no additional diagnosis has been announced beyond the knee tendon injury.
For now, the priority is assessment and treatment rather than speculation. Any decision on Mbappé’s availability for Real Madrid will depend on how the injury responds and whether he can train without pain or limitation.
Mbappé’s night against Türkiye therefore ended with both a record-extending goal and an injury that immediately changed France’s plans. He will now begin his recovery in Madrid, with supporters waiting for further medical updates before his return can be judged. [1][3][4]