Kylian Mbappé encountered a setback in France’s Euro 2024 opener against Austria when a collision with Kevin Danso resulted in a broken nose. With blood flowing down his face, the French captain was promptly transported to a hospital for evaluation. Medical tests confirmed the fracture but indicated no immediate need for surgery. However, it was decided that Mbappé would require a protective mask for the remainder of the tournament, with potential surgery post-Euro 2024 still on the table.
The urgency to craft a custom mask for Mbappé arose as France prepared to face the Netherlands just four days after the incident. Initially projected to take five days, the mask was expedited and delivered to Mbappé on Thursday – only three days after the collision and a day ahead of the crucial match against the Netherlands. Nevertheless, L’Équipe has since reported imperfections in the mask provided to Mbappé.
Unforeseen challenges with protective gear
The protective mask designed for Kylian Mbappé is notably thicker, measuring 5mm, in contrast to the mask worn by Victor Osimhen. This additional thickness was intended to incorporate padding aimed at mitigating impact forces. However, L’Équipe’s revelations indicate that the thicker mask has inadvertently compromised Mbappé’s peripheral vision.
The decision to bolster the mask with extra padding aimed to safeguard Mbappé from potential injury during the rigorous Euro 2024 competition. Yet, the unintended consequence has posed a significant challenge for the player, severely limiting his ability to perceive his surroundings fully on the field. This compromised peripheral vision could potentially affect Mbappé’s performance, requiring him to adjust to the altered visual parameters imposed by the protective gear.
These challenges underscore the delicate balance between player safety and performance optimization in elite-level sports. Mbappé and the French national team will need to navigate these new conditions as they progress through Euro 2024, adapting strategies to accommodate the unforeseen impacts of the protective mask on gameplay.
