Kylian Mbappe, France’s captain and star forward, faced unexpected challenges during Euro 2024. Despite high expectations, Les Bleus exited the tournament in the semi-finals, falling to a dominant side in Spain. This article examines the factors that contributed to Mbappe’s underwhelming performance.
Injury Setback and Face Mask Discomfort
Mbappe’s tournament took a turn for the worse in France’s opening match against Austria. A collision with Kevin Danso resulted in a broken nose, forcing him to miss the next game against the Netherlands. Upon his return, Mbappe struggled with a protective face mask, which he described as “annoying” and disruptive to his play.
Midfield Creativity Drought
France’s midfield composition lacked the creative spark Mbappe thrives on. Coach Didier Deschamps opted for a defensive-minded trio of N’Golo Kante, Aurelien Tchoaumeni, and Adrien Rabiot in the crucial semi-final. This setup failed to provide the incisive passes Mbappe relies on for his explosive runs.
Finishing Woes
While external factors played a role, Mbappe’s own finishing left much to be desired. He ended the tournament with just one goal – a penalty – underperforming his expected goals (xG) by 1.9. This statistic highlights his uncharacteristic struggles in front of goal.
Historical European Championship Struggles
Euro 2024 continued a troubling trend for Kylian Mbappe in the European Championships. Across two tournaments, he has managed only one goal in nine appearances, a stark contrast to his World Cup heroics.
As France reflects on their Euro 2024 campaign, Mbappe’s performance will undoubtedly be a focal point. The combination of injury, tactical setup, and personal form all contributed to a tournament the star forward will be eager to put behind him.
