Kylian Mbappé has introduced his first mask, but it doesn’t look like it will be one he’ll be able to use in a game.
The France star suffered a broken nose in his side’s Euro 2024 opener against Austria, colliding with defender Kevin Danso near the end of France’s 1-0 win.
It was immediately apparent that Mbappé had broken his nose, which appeared to be out of place as blood poured out onto the striker’s jersey.
It was also quickly apparent that the Real Madrid forward would be sporting a new look whenever he appeared on the pitch next.
Just hours after the injury, Mbappé was on social media asking his followers if they had any mask ideas.
Des idées de masques
?
— Kylian Mbappé (@KMbappe) June 17, 2024
In France’s training on Thursday, one day before a marquee matchup against the Netherlands, Mbappé debuted his first effort — and it was not the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle mask he was once gifted.
Mbappé showed up on the training pitch in a patriotic mask that featured the colors and pattern of the French flag. On one side was his initials “KM” while on the other, his number 10 featured in between two stars.
In the middle was the Gallic rooster — a national symbol of France that also appears on the French team’s crest.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear that the striker will actually be able to wear his mask during a game. According to UEFA rules, masks have to be just one color and free of team and sponsor logos.
This is a sick mask BUT Mbappé will NOT be able to use it during Euro matches.
Per UEFA Equipment Regulations (Article 42, Subarticle i, point i): “Medical equipment, face masks, worn on the field of play must be a single colour and free of team and manufacturer identification.” https://t.co/s4X85r1i0G
— Nico Cantor (@Nicocantor1) June 20, 2024
As for when the superstar will actually debut a mask in a game, France coach Didier Deschamps sounded optimistic it could be against the Netherlands.
“Everything is going well, after the shock we had. He was able to take part in some light exercises yesterday, and that will be the same this evening. Everything is evolving in the right direction,” Deschamps said Thursday in his pre-match press conference.
“We’ll do all we can to ensure that he’ll be available tomorrow.”
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