Ethan Mbappé arrives at Clairefontaine emotional and eager for first France U21 call-up

Ethan Mbappé joined the Clairefontaine national centre for the first time in his career, called up by Gérald Baticle among the 25 players selected for the U21s’ September gathering. The LOSC attacking midfielder, who has made a solid start to the Ligue 1 season, is among six new faces in the squad.

“I’ve been waiting for this for a long time. I’m very happy to arrive here for the first time. I’m eager to meet all my teammates, the coaching staff, and I can’t wait to play for the France team,” said the 19-year-old upon arrival.

Ethan Mbappé acknowledged that the path to this call-up had not been without obstacles: “I had this objective in mind, but it’s true that I had quite a few injuries that prevented me from joining this group. Now I’m here. I hope I’ll continue to be here and why not compete in the Euro. It’s a pleasure to represent the France team, it’s the first time. Hearing the anthem, singing it, that’s going to be incredible. I can’t wait.”

The former Paris Saint-Germain player will reunite at Clairefontaine with several familiar faces from his time at PSG. “I know Senny Mayulu and Joane Gadou very well, we played together at PSG. I also know Leny Yoro and Jaydee Canvot. I used to watch their matches on YouTube when I wasn’t there. I know it’s a good group, with a great atmosphere, and I’m very happy to be part of it,” he said.

The U21s will play four Euro 2027 qualifying matches during this international window: against Iceland on 25 September, Estonia on 29 September, Luxembourg on 3 October and Switzerland on 6 October. His brother Kylian, present at the same time at Clairefontaine with the senior France team, thus briefly shares the same setting with him.