Mbappe Swaps Football for Padel Tennis in Dubai

French football star Kylian Mbappé flew to Dubai for medical reasons after France's match against Ukraine, but was spotted at luxury venues playing padel with celebrities, raising questions about the nature of his injury absence.

The Real Madrid forward missed France's final World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan on Sunday after coach Didier Deschamps cited an ankle inflammation that required additional medical tests. But his activities in Dubai tell a different story.

After France's 4-0 victory over Ukraine on Thursday secured their World Cup qualification, Mbappé immediately traveled to Dubai on Saturday. Flight records show he took Emirates flight EK72 from Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport, departing at 10 AM for the six-hour, 40-minute journey.

Once in Dubai, the French captain wasn't resting his supposedly injured ankle. He was seen at the luxury Atlantis Royal hotel and later playing padel at an exclusive club alongside French singer Dadju and the Hernandez brothers. Social media posts from the venue showed Mbappé in sports gear, actively participating in the physically demanding racket sport.

This isn't the first time Mbappé's international absences have sparked controversy. The 25-year-old has faced criticism for missing recent France call-ups while remaining available for his club Real Madrid. His decision to skip the Azerbaijan match - albeit with official medical backing - while vacationing in Dubai adds fuel to ongoing tensions with the French Football Federation.

The timing is particularly sensitive given France's recent struggles in the Nations League and questions about player commitment to international duty. For investors and sponsors tied to French football, these recurring absences could impact the team's commercial appeal and Mbappé's own brand value.

France won 3-1 against Azerbaijan without their star player, but the optics of their captain playing padel in Dubai while citing medical reasons won't help his relationship with fans or federation officials.