Kylian Mbappé is currently at the center of a new controversy involving his image rights, as the French national team prepares for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. The issue arose when his likeness, along with those of several teammates, was used in an advertising campaign by a betting company without obtaining prior consent.
Reported by L’Équipe, the betting brand featured a photograph of Mbappé alongside Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola, and Désiré Doué ahead of a friendly match against Ivory Coast. The players were reportedly unaware of the commercial use of their images until after the publication.
Both Mbappé and Rayan Cherki have reportedly conveyed their dissatisfaction to the French Football Federation’s leadership. Mbappé has previously articulated concerns regarding gambling, underlining his careful approach to partnerships with betting-related brands and the potential social issues associated with gambling.