Kylian Mbappe delivered a standout performance with a goal and an assist as France defeated Germany 2–0 in the Nations League third-place playoff in Stuttgart on Sunday.
Despite fielding a heavily rotated squad, France were able to rely on their captain, who broke the deadlock just before half-time and later set up the winner.
Germany dominated much of the first half, with several chances falling their way. Karim Adeyemi won a penalty that was later overturned by VAR for simulation, and Florian Wirtz struck the post. But it was Mbappe who opened the scoring, marking his 50th goal in French colours. He latched onto a lofted ball over Joshua Kimmich, controlled it superbly, and fired home with his right foot through a crowded box.
France absorbed waves of German pressure in the second half, with the hosts desperate to find an equaliser. But they were undone by their own mistake in the closing stages. A poor clearance from Robin Koch was intercepted by Mbappe on the halfway line. The Real Madrid forward surged forward on the counter and squared the ball to Michael Olise, who calmly finished to seal the result in the 84th minute.
It was Mbappe’s first goal in open play for France in over a year, silencing critics who had questioned his recent international form.
Speaking to DAZN post-match, the France captain responded to his detractors: “Since I arrived in the national team, everyone’s always had something to say. When they get a chance to speak negatively, they do. They’ve done the same with every great player in French history — I’m just next in line. But I’m OK with that. I just try to do my job.”
Midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni praised his club and international teammate:
“Everyone in the team loves him. He’s a key player, and when he performs like today, it’s just amazing.”
France coach Didier Deschamps, who made eight changes from the semi-final loss to Spain, had admitted before the game that the bronze-medal match was not their primary focus, with eyes set on next year’s World Cup. Only Mbappe, Mike Maignan, and Adrien Rabiot retained their spots in the starting XI.
Germany also rotated, with coach Julian Nagelsmann making four changes, including recalling striker Niclas Füllkrug. Nick Woltemade was replaced at halftime by Deniz Undav, who found the net shortly after the restart — only to see his goal disallowed due to a foul in the build-up.
Despite dominating possession and territory, Germany’s finishing let them down once again.
“If we’d scored our first chance, it could’ve been 3 or 4–0 for us,” Füllkrug told DAZN, expressing frustration with the team’s wastefulness.
The loss marks the first time Germany have lost back-to-back matches since 2023, raising fresh doubts about their progress under Nagelsmann.
Later on Sunday, Spain and Portugal face off in Munich to contest the Nations League final, with Spain aiming to defend both their Nations League and European Championship titles.
