Kylian Mbappe's recent comments surrounding a potential self-imposed hiatus from international football could scupper his legacy among France fans.
The 22-year-old striker has already written his name into French football folklore after he became the youngest player to score in a World Cup final since Pele during Les Bleus 2018 triumph.
However, Mbappe recently revealed that he has considered taking a break from international action as he struggled to deal with the heartache of France's dramatic Euro 2020 exit.
Didier Deschamps side were eliminated at the hands of Switzerland, but it was Mbappe who missed the decisive spot-kick in the round of 16 penalty shoot-out.
Speaking to French outlet L'Equipe, the Paris Saint-Germain star revealed the thought of calling time on his playing career for France, albeit temporarily, has crossed his mind in the months after the Switzerland defeat.
"I have always placed the French national team above everything and I will always put it above everything. I have never taken a single Euro to play for the French national team and I will always play for my national team for free," the PSG talisman explained.
"Above all, I never wanted to be problem. But from the moment where I felt like that I was starting to become a problem and that people felt I was a problem.
"The most important thing is the French national team and if the French national team is happier without me, it is like that."
A departure of any kind, temporary or not, would be a permanent stain on Mbappe's legacy for his national side.
This current chapter is the first difficult one Mbappe has had to endure in his time with Les Bleus, which begun in spectacular fashion with the World Cup success three years ago.
The striker has already fallen foul of some of his past admirers, Mbappe was the subject of jeers and boos when he returned to PSG at the beginning of this season after declaring his wish to leave the club.
He did reveal how he understood the backlash from his own fans upon his first appearance at the Parc Des Princes after going public with his wish to join Real Madrid.
"I told myself that in their position, I would have booed as well. In this transfer, who knew what? We heard a lot of things.
"I didn’t say to myself, ' After all I’ve done, they boo me', no, I took it as a sign of affection.
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"They didn’t want me to leave, that means I am more important. I was clear with myself over this situation."
While the 22-year-old was empathetic in his views on the booing of PSG fans, should that fall-out become nationwide if he walks away from international duty - he may struggle to recover.
At the very least, if his time in a France shirt is up amid fury from the Les Bleus faithful - he can flee to the Spanish capital, where he will be welcomed with open arms and protected by Real Madrid chief Florentino Perez.
Should tonight's UEFA Nations League contest away at Belgium be Mbappe's last in a France shirt for however long - he may have to endure further backlash if he does return.
