Kylian Mbappé slams reports claiming he refused to carry the Olympic flame in Paris, denying he wanted to be the last torchbearer. “LOL,” he responds on social media.
Kylian Mbappé has taken to social media to deny reports claiming he refused to carry the Olympic flame during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games opening ceremony. The 26-year-old French forward, now playing for Real Madrid, ridiculed the story and clarified his position, asserting he had no intention of being the final torchbearer.
What Happened?
French publication Le Canard Enchaîné reported that Mbappé had turned down the opportunity to carry the Olympic torch during the opening ceremony, allegedly insisting that he wanted to be the last torchbearer. The prestigious role ultimately went to Marie-José Pérec, the ex-200m sprinter, and Teddy Riner, a three-time Olympic judo champion.
However, Mbappé wasted no time in responding to the rumors, labeling the report with a sarcastic “LOL” on social media.
Mbappé’s Response
In a tweet (or post on X), Mbappé wrote:
“LOL. You forgot to mention that I also wanted to be the leader of the French basketball team, I think… I was just chilling on vacation on the other side of the globe. No reason to be the last torchbearer since I have no history with the Olympics.”
The Bigger Picture
The Real Madrid star has faced ongoing media scrutiny in the past year, from his controversial exit from Paris Saint-Germain to his start at Madrid and his position in the French national team. Despite the negative press, Mbappé addressed this latest claim head-on with humor and transparency.
What’s Next for Mbappé?
After contributing significantly to Madrid’s progress in the Club World Cup this summer, Mbappé is now on holiday before returning for the club’s pre-season preparations. As he prepares for the upcoming season, it seems the French forward is ready to refocus on his footballing career, leaving the gossip behind.
