Wenger: Mbappé Was the Scapegoat in Madrid

The Scapegoat in White

The curtain falls on another turbulent chapter at Santiago Bernabéu, and the spotlight burns hottest on Kylian Mbappé. But wait before you cast the stones. Arsène Wenger, the architect of countless Arsenal dreams, steps into the ring to declare the French superstar a victim of unfair scrutiny. Yes, the numbers tell a story of 42 goals across all competitions, yet the narrative in the Spanish capital has been anything but kind. Wenger sees a team that is no longer the flawless machine of old, a side with perhaps three or four world-class players instead of the ten that once defined its dominance. In football, as in life, someone must take the fall. For now, that burden rests on Mbappé’s shoulders.

Fresh Legs for the Big Stage

Here is the twist. While some worry about Mbappé’s reduced minutes and injury scares, Wenger sees a tactical masterstroke in the making. The grueling European season often leaves stars drained, their legs heavy before the global spotlight. But not this time. At 27, Mbappé arrives in North America with his battery fully charged. "I’ve seen players with 60 games under their belt tell me they can’t train," Wenger noted. "He is not that case." While others arrive exhausted from Champions League finals, Mbappé stands ready, physically sharp and mentally focused. This isn’t just luck; it’s preparation.

France: The Powerhouse

So, who wears the crown in the United States? Wenger places his bet on Didier Deschamps’ France. The depth of their squad is a nightmare for any opponent. Imagine facing a team where every attacker can defend, where a 0-0 scoreline with 20 minutes left means you’ve already lost. It’s not just talent; it’s overwhelming power. With Mbappé’s character proven on the biggest stages in 2018 and 2022, France begins their quest for a third title against Senegal at MetLife Stadium, followed by Iraq and Norway. The stage is set. The question is not if Mbappé will shine, but how bright.