Mbappe: Ex-France defender cites 3 sources of frustration after Real Madrid forward’s disappointing Euro 2024
i

Kylian Mbappe failed to score from open play at France's unsuccessful Euro 2024 outing (Credit: Imago)

Mbappe: Ex-France defender cites 3 sources of frustration after Real Madrid forward’s disappointing Euro 2024

Seye Omidiora 11:21 - 10.07.2024

The marksman failed to score from open play throughout France's Euro 2024 campaign which ended in semi-final disappointment against Spain.

Former France defender Frank Leboeuf has revealed reasons to be critical of Kylian Mbappe after France were eliminated from Euro 2024 by Spain.

Spain vs France

Randal Kolo Muani put Les Blues ahead after nine minutes, only for a stunning Lamine Yamal strike to peg back Didier Deschamps' men in the 21st minute and Dani Olmo completed the turnaround moments later when his effort went in off Jules Kounde.

Mbappe and his teammates tried all they could to level, with the France captain coming close with a shot that went off target in the game's closing moments.

The Real Madrid forward netted once throughout Euro 2024 — a penalty in the final match of the group against Poland — but could not find the net from open play after returning from the broken nose that saw him miss Les Bleus’ second tournament match against the Netherlands.

Kylian Mbappe
A dejected Kylian Mbappe during France's Euro 2024 match against Spain (Credit: Imago)

What Leboeuf said about Mbappe’s Euro 2024

Speaking on ESPN, the Euro 2000-winning defender criticised the forward for “disappearing” against Spain in Tuesday’s semi-final.

“He existed for like 15 minutes and after he disappeared,” said Leboeuf. “He’s going to be hammered by fans who have a right to be disappointed. He only scored one goal and had one assist, it’s not enough for Mbappe.

“We put him at a high level, he’s probably the best player in his position in the world but you have to prove it. Before his injury, he had struggled for two or three months.

“There’s a concern about him.”

What comes next?

According to The Athletic, Mbappe's Real Madrid presentation will be on July 14, with Endrick's to be held two days later.