Why is Kylian Mbappe sporting a black mask during France vs. Belgium in the round of 16 of the Euro 2024?
The third-highest goalscorer for his nation, Mbappe, recently switched teams, joining Real Madrid on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain.
Kylian Mbappe is starting for France in its Euro 2024 round of 16 match against Belgium at the Dusseldorf Arena in Germany on Monday.
CHECK OUT THE LIVE SCORE OF FRANCE VS BELGIUM, EURO 2024
The third-highest goalscorer for his nation, Mbappe, recently switched teams, joining Real Madrid on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain. For the first time, he is also leading his nation into a significant competition.
WHY IS THE MASK WEARING MBAPPE?
Mbappé didn’t start for France in their 0-0 tie with the Netherlands due to a fractured nose he received in their opening 1-0 victory against Austria, even though France coach Didier Deschamps had expressed optimism that his star attacker could play with a face mask.
During a training session, Kylian Mbappe of France makes adjustments to his face mask.
During a training session, Kylian Mbappe of France makes adjustments to his face mask. Image courtesy of AP
In the last group stage match between France and Poland, he was back in the starting lineup and scored a penalty in the 56th minute. It was the captain of France’s first-ever goal in the competition.
Mbappe did play in the 2020 edition of Euro, but he was unable to score in any of the team’s four games as Switzerland eliminated the team on penalties in the Round of 16. In total, including the previous edition, it was his 23rd shot in the competition.