It may be necessary for Kylian Mbappé, the French sensation who is renowned for frightening defences, to don a mask at Euro 2024. Mbappé will probably wear a carbon-fiber mask if he plays in the tournament again after breaking his nose in Les Bleus’ close 1-0 victory over Austria in the opening round.
It wouldn’t be the first time a football player wore safety gear. Even Mbappé recognized the tradition of masked men in the game. During the 2022 World Cup, athletes with facial fractures, such as South Korea’s Son Heung-min, wore masks.
Looking further back, in 1993, following a vicious elbow to the face, Paul Gascoigne, the English legend known by the moniker “Gazza,” put on the now-iconic “Gazz-mask”. It became a representation of Gascoigne’s tenacity and resolve, something Mbappé surely possesses as well.
After a collision while playing for Real Madrid, Antonio Rüdiger most recently wore a mask for Chelsea in 2020. The year after a terrifying home invasion left Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang with a shattered jaw, he wore one for Chelsea as well.
Characterized by their lightweight carbon fiber construction, these masks enable players to compete while providing essential protection against facial injuries. As Son Heung-min noted, players usually adjust fast, albeit comfort can be a first-time worry.
The mask that Mbappé may wear could come to symbolize Euro 2024. The Frenchman has a reputation for having amazing speed and skill. The adoption of a mask might give him an almost superhero-like image and serve as a resilient symbol that would captivate supporters and motivate his squad.
Still, there are some concerns. What impact will Mbappé’s mask have on his performance? Will it affect his vision or make it harder for him to head the ball? Only time and maybe some mask training sessions will be able to address these questions.
Mbappé’s absence would undoubtedly be a major setback to France’s chances of winning the Euro. With his quickness and finishing, the 25-year-old poses a continuous threat to opposing defenses and is an essential piece in their offensive engine.
With or without a mask, the French medical staff will be exerting every effort to get Mbappé back on the field as quickly as possible. Be it disguised or not, manager Didier Deschamps will be praying for a quick recovery.
The sport as a whole as well as France would benefit from Mbappé’s possible covert comeback. The latest developments in protective gear would be on display, enabling athletes to heal from wounds and keep impressing viewers with their abilities. Mbappé in the mask might come to represent tenacity and the unshakable will of a champion.
