Kylian Mbappé Faces Criticism Amid Euro 2024 Struggles
Kylian Mbappé, the renowned French striker, has found himself at the center of scrutiny following a challenging Euro 2024 campaign. Despite his reputation as one of the best footballers in the world, Mbappé's performance in the tournament has been met with disappointment from fans and critics alike.
Mbappé's Euro 2024 journey began on a difficult note when he left Paris Saint Germain to join Real Madrid, a move that upset many French supporters, not just those in Paris. His decision to forgo participating in the Olympic Games further fueled the criticism.
During the Euro 2024, Mbappé managed to score just one goal from a penalty in six games, with France bowing out in the semifinals against Spain. His struggles were compounded by a broken nose sustained during the debut match against Austria, forcing him to play with a protective mask for the remainder of the tournament.
Political Controversy and Criticism
Mbappé's challenges were not limited to the football field. He also faced political controversy due to his outspoken stance against the extreme right in France. Born in Bondy, a city northeast of Paris, Mbappé has always been vocal about his origins, with his father hailing from Cameroon and his mother from Algeria. His political activism drew criticism from various quarters, adding to the pressure he faced during the tournament.
Former French footballer Emmanuel Petit was among those who criticized Mbappé's performance, stating that he had not lived up to expectations and questioning his fitness and readiness to lead the team as captain. This underwhelming performance could jeopardize Mbappé's chances of winning the coveted Ballon d'Or once again. At 25, he still has not claimed the title of the world's best footballer, a feat achieved multiple times by contemporaries Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo at the same age.
Despite the setbacks, Mbappé remains determined to bounce back. With a move to Real Madrid on the horizon, he will have the opportunity to rest, recharge, and pursue glory once more, including the elusive Ballon d'Or.
