In his first Euro 2020 match, Mbappe fractured his nose in a header collision with an opponent. To continue playing in the tournament, the Frenchman opted to delay surgery, earning himself the nickname “Masked Marvel.” However, this is not positive news for Real Madrid.
According to France’s head coach Didier Deschamps, Mbappe might have to wear the mask even after the Euros, potentially for several weeks or even months, not accounting for the recovery time from eventual surgery. Deschamps acknowledges the mask’s impact on the player: “This mask affects players. Although he constantly wipes the sweat off it, there’s still some impact. Vision-wise, you can see clearly straight ahead, but it’s more difficult from the sides and diagonally.”
Mbappe himself has discussed the mask’s drawbacks: “Playing with a mask is really scary. It limits my vision, and then there’s the constant sweating that you have to clean up yourself. But without it, I can’t play. I really hate playing with a mask; it’s uncomfortable, even though I’ve improved it five or six times, it’s still tough.”
With the La Liga season set to start following the Euros, Mbappe’s need to wear the mask for several months will undoubtedly be a concern for Real Madrid.