As France prepares to face Belgium in the Euro 2024 round of 16, star player Kylian Mbappé is facing challenges adapting to the protective equipment he must wear. Mbappé, who will be wearing a mask for the second consecutive match, has expressed his discomfort with playing in it.
The need for the mask arose during France's opening match against Austria when Mbappé accidentally headbutted an opponent, resulting in a broken nose. Despite the injury, Mbappé has continued to play, missing only one match and returning to score in the subsequent game against Poland.
Speaking ahead of the Belgium clash, Mbappé described the experience of playing with the mask as 'horrible.' He highlighted the limitations it imposes on his field of vision and the discomfort caused by sweat accumulation.
Despite his struggles, Mbappé remains committed to performing at his best for France. With an impressive record of 48 goals in 81 appearances for his national team, he is a key player in France's quest for success in Euro 2024.
Under the guidance of head coach Didier Deschamps, France has enjoyed significant success in recent years, including winning the 2018 World Cup. However, their performance in Euro 2024 has been underwhelming so far, mirroring the struggles of other top nations in the tournament.
Mbappé's resilience and determination to overcome the challenges posed by his injury and the mask demonstrate his commitment to the team's success. As France faces Belgium in a crucial knockout match, all eyes will be on Mbappé to deliver a standout performance despite the obstacles he faces.