Cameroonian legend Samuel Eto'o expressed regret that Kylian Mbappé, captain of the French national team, does not receive the recognition he deserves from his country's fans.

Mbappé has been delivering an exceptional performance in the 2026 World Cup, leading his country to face Spain in the semifinals, scoring 8 goals to top the tournament's scoring chart alongside Argentina's Lionel Messi.

Eto'o expressed admiration for the 27-year-old forward's performance, but at the same time lamented the heavy criticism surrounding him, especially in France.

The Cameroonian legend told Le Parisien: "He simply deserves to be judged with the same fairness as other great champions. Perhaps it's time for France to fully realize how fortunate it is to have a player of his stature in its history."

The head of the Cameroonian Football Federation added, as reported by RMC Sport: "Despite his performance, his records, his list of achievements, and his consistency, he seems constantly forced to prove himself again."

He continued: "What more does Kylian Mbappé need to achieve to be recognized as the best French player of his generation, or even as one of the greatest French players in history?"

He went on: "It is legitimate to ask a question, even if uncomfortable: Does Kylian's mixed heritage, his origins, and what he represents in French society, consciously or unconsciously, affect how some evaluate his career, personality, and positions? This question deserves to be asked responsibly, not to make baseless accusations, but because racism, prejudice, and bigotry still exist in our societies, and should never be tolerated."