Is Kylian Mbappe playing at the Olympics? Latest on France star's availability for 2024 Paris Games

The men's soccer tournament at the 2024 Summer Olympics kicked off on July 24 with 16 teams battling for gold medal glory.

Men's football has been a feature of the Olympic Games since 1900 with FIFA's six continental federations represented in the competition.

The 2024 edition will feature a major change, with 2016 and 2020 champions Brazil not involved, and hosts France tipped as one of the favourites to win a first gold in the men's event since 1984.

Former Les Bleus superstar Thierry Henry takes charge of France's Olympic side but will be wihtout Kylian Mbappe in his tournament squad.

MORE: Kylian Mbappe's astonishing presentation to thousands of Real Madrid fans

Is Kylian Mbappe playing at the Olympics?

Mbappe was not included as part of the 18-player panel when Henry's roster was announced in June.

The new Real Madrid signing previously hinted at his desire to play in the tournament after Euro 2024 duty, but he consistently stated the decision would be made by his club.

After it was announced in June that he would be signing for Madrid on a free transfer, Mbappe confirmed he would not be competing at the Games as he would instead be preparing for the 2024/25 season with his new club.

"For the Olympics, my club has a position which is very clear, so that means I will not participate in the Olympics. That is how it is," he stated ahead of captaining France at Euro 2024.

"Joining a new team in September would not be the best way to begin my adventure. I wish the best to the France team. I will of course watch all their games as a spectator rather than a player, and I hope they bring back the gold medal."

How are Olympic squads selected?

Rules on how Olympic football squads are selected feature a crucial rule on overage players, with each qualified nation allowed to name three players aged over 23 in their squad.

That restriction does not apply to women's squads for Olympic competition.

However, Henry and his fellow head coaches could face club-versus-country battles as football at the Olympics does not feature on the FIFA international match calendar and clubs are not required to release players if they do not wish to.

France's Olympic squad

Henry utilised the overage rule to include former Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette and Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta in his squad.

Below is the full squad selected by Henry for France's 2024 Olympics campaign:

*Players in BOLD are France's overage picks

France's Olympic record

France have featured regularly in the Olympic men's football tournament but 1984 is their sole gold medal win under the leadership of veteran French coach Henri Michel.

*DNE indicates Did Not Enter and DNQ indicates Did Not Qualify

Olympic football champions

Below is the complete list of Olympic medallists in the men's soccer tournament.