Atletico Madrid News
Mbappe says he understands Griezmann’s disappointment regarding France’s captaincy
French national team coach Didier Deschamps dropped a bombshell earlier this week, appointing Kylian Mbappe as the captain of the team, ahead of Atletico Madrid superstar Antoine Griezmann.
The decision reportedly came as a shock to Griezmann, who is currently one of the senior players in the team and has played a key role in France’s ascension under Deschamps.
However, in his latest interview, Mbappe addressed the speculations over a potential row between him and Griezmann, suggesting that the former Barcelona captain is happy and has shown great determination in training.
“I talked to Antoine, he was disappointed and it’s understandable, it’s a reaction that can happen. I told him that I would have had the same reaction, he is perhaps the most important player of the Deschamps era,” Mbappe said (h/t Diario AS).
“I’m not his boss. We are going to be hand in hand, he and I, to try to make this French team reign worldwide. If he has something to say to the group, I sit down and listen. You don’t have to close the door to anyone, everyone is free to express themselves,” he added.
Mbappe, who has been linked with a potential move to Real Madrid in 2024, has had a growing stature in the French national team, especially after his heroic performances at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, even though it was not enough to seal the coveted trophy.
“I can assure you that Griezmann, since Monday, has been smiling. That he was disappointed at the time is legitimate. But that’s where it was. From what I see, everyone has the same goal regarding the objectives of the selection. Antoine is vice-captain, he has an important role as always. He is radiant, both in training and in group life,” Mbappe added, acknowledging Griezmann’s disappointment.
Griezmann’s snub as the captain of Les Bleus comes at a time when the forward is enjoying an excellent season at Atletico Madrid, with 21 goals involvement in 36 competitive matches. It appears the forward is getting back to his groove, after a forgettable spell at Barcelona.
Atletico Madrid News
UEFA open investigation against multiple Real Madrid players over celebration vs Atletico
More than two weeks after Real Madrid’s controversial win over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League Round of 16, UEFA has sent quite the shockwave to the defending European champions.
In a recent statement, UEFA has announced they have started an open investigation against a series of Real Madrid players for the way they celebrated after winning against Atletico Madrid, about two weeks back.
What is the investigation about?
As reported by MARCA, the European governing body is specifically looking into the actions of Antonio Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe, Dani Ceballos, and Vinicius Jr.
The controversy stems from Real Madrid’s celebrations after knocking out city rivals Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.
The celebrations took place near the section of the stadium occupied by Real Madrid supporters, but some actions by the players have drawn scrutiny.
“A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to investigate allegations of indecent conduct by Real Madrid CF players (Antonio Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe, Daniel Ceballos Fernandez and Vinicius Junior) during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 match between Club Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid on 12 March 2025,” UEFA said in an official statement.
Rudiger is being investigated for a gesture in which he placed his hand around his neck, while Mbappe reportedly made an inappropriate gesture by touching his genitals.
Vinicius, on the other hand, was involved in heated interactions with Atletico fans both before and after the match, while Ceballos was seen enthusiastically joining the celebrations.
The celebrations from Real Madrid players drew hostility from Atletico Madrid fans for obvious reasons, with the opposition fans resorting to throwing bottles on the pitch.
Jude Bellingham was even among the ones hit by these throwing objects from Atleti fans while Vinicius pointed to the Real Madrid crest on his shirt, which might have played a role in further fuming tension.
Rodrygo, on the other hand, responded to the hostility from Atleti fans by dancing inside the pitch.
UEFA has appointed an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to review the incidents, although it is very much likely that Real Madrid would appeal against any sanctions placed on the event of any breach.
