“It Was a Failure” – What Went Wrong for Mbappe & France at Euro 2024?
“My ambition was to be champion of Europe – but it was a failure.”
10.07.2024: These were the words of Kylian Mbappe, the World Cup winner who was expected to lead France to glory in Germany. The £190m star, who recently completed his dream move to Real Madrid, captained an expectant nation at Euro 2024. However, Mbappe, who famously scored a hat-trick in the World Cup final two years ago, struggled to make the expected impact. France’s tournament ended in a disappointing semi-final defeat to Spain in Munich.
Mbappe’s Euro Struggles
Despite his phenomenal performance in the 2018 World Cup, where he scored four times as France won their first crown in 20 years, Mbappe has struggled in the Euros. He scored eight goals in the 2022 World Cup, including a treble in the final against Argentina. However, he blanked at Euro 2020, with his missed penalty against Switzerland proving costly as France exited in the last 16.
Heading into Euro 2024, Mbappe was the player to watch, but he managed only a single penalty goal in a 1-1 draw with Poland during the group stage. This result left France in a tougher knockout draw. Throughout the tournament, Mbappe had nine shots on target and created just three chances, including a superb assist for Randal Kolo Muani’s opener against Spain.
“Mbappe delivered a wonderful ball, but that was the only bit of quality in the final third that France showed,” said former England defender Rio Ferdinand. “That is not enough in a game of this magnitude. Mbappe will be disappointed with his tournament. This is not what we have come to expect.”
Comparing Mbappe’s World Cup and Euro Performances
In 14 World Cup appearances, Mbappe averages 1.11 goals and assists per 90 minutes, compared to just 0.32 in nine Euros appearances. His crucial moment in the semi-final came late when he cut inside the Spanish defense but missed the target.
“That is a goal he has scored a thousand times in his career,” said French football expert Julien Laurens. “Mbappe didn’t take his chance, and when it mattered most, France lacked a bit of magic.”
The Impact of Injury
Mbappe’s tournament was hampered by a broken nose suffered in the final moments of their opening match against Austria. The injury forced him to miss the 0-0 draw with the Netherlands. He returned wearing a mask to score against Poland, but the mask caused him issues, and he was seen adjusting it during several games before discarding it for the Spain match.
Asked if the injury had held him back, Mbappe said, “It was everything. You shouldn’t overcomplicate it. It was either good or it was not. Voila, I was not good, and we are going home. It’s simple.”
Manager Didier Deschamps acknowledged the mask was an issue but stated after the semi-final loss, “It was more of an inconvenience than anything else. When you get to the semi-finals and play a Spain team of that quality, you have to be at your best, and we were not.”
What’s Next for Mbappe?
After winning seven league titles in France with Monaco and Paris St-Germain, Mbappe will aim to add the Champions League to his accolades next season with Real Madrid. He will join a formidable attacking line-up featuring Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr, and Rodrygo.
“I’ll be going on holiday,” Mbappe said. “I will rest, which will do me good, and then I’ll come back very strong in a new town with a new boss.”