Why is Kylian Mbappe donning a mask when France plays Belgium in the 2024 European Cup?
Newz Daddy Football Updates
The star forward is willing to take a “risk” by playing again after breaking his nose during France’s opening victory.
The captain of France, Kylian Mbappe, broke his nose during the team’s first victory against Austria, therefore he will be wearing a mask for the remainder of Euro 2024.
The sensational striker was left covered in blood following the horrific injury he sustained when his face struck Austrian defender Kevin Danso’s shoulder. He later departed the stadium in an ambulance.
Tests eventually revealed Mbappe did not need emergency surgery, and two days later, he resumed training while wearing a protective jacket in the French flag’s colors, allaying fears that he might be disqualified from the competition.
The 25-year-old gave a strong indication that he was ready to return to the field despite having a broken nose when he wrote on Instagram, saying, “Without risks, there are no victories.” Though he has subsequently admitted that he hates playing with the mask on, he is wearing it again when he leads his team in the last-16 match in Dusseldorf against Belgium.
Last Friday night, France drew 0-0 with the Netherlands without using Mbappe as a substitute. However, head coach Didier Deschamps later stated that he intended to play against Poland in the Group D championship match, where Mbappe scored a penalty in a 1-1 draw.
Prior to that, the forward participated in a practice match and scored twice while wearing a mask against the German club Paderborn’s under-21 squad. This was his first competitive action since fracturing his nose.
As soon as the full nature of Mbappe’s injuries became apparent, France went to work making a mask, as the 2022 World Cup Golden Boot winner would be essential to their chances of winning the Euros.
Uefa regulations, which stipulate that any “medical equipment worn on the playing field must be of a single color” and “must not allow the team or manufacturer to be identified,” prevented the use of the French Tricolor’s blue, white, and red mask.
When Mbappe’s face struck Austrian defender Danso’s shoulder, he shattered his nose. Mbappe’s severely swollen nose was observed to be leaking blood, which caused some of his white France shirt to become scarlet.
The injury marred France’s opening victory over Austria in Dusseldorf, as Mbappe—who had been booked after returning to the field after treatment—was transported to the hospital soon after the game ended.
