Euro 2024: Kylian Mbappe edges closer to French football history despite group-stage disappointment

Kylian Mbappe returned in a mask for France at Euro 2024 and very nearly won the game for Didier Deschamps’s men on his comeback against Poland. 

The forward’s inclusion from the off was partially doubtful as a consequence of the broken nose suffered in Les Blues’ Group D opener against Austria. 

Mbappe missed France’s goalless encounter with the Netherlands, but the Real Madrid forward was back in the XI against Poland, duly opening the scoring from the spot as the 2018 World Cup winners went top of their section. 

However, they were pegged back by a Robert Lewandowski penalty with 10 minutes remaining. The 1-1 draw in Dortmund means the 2016 European runners-up have failed to end top of their group at a major competition since Euro 2012 when they ended second on four points, three behind England (7). 

Regardless, Mbappe notching the game’s opening goal brought him closer to French football history. 

Tuesday’s goal may have been Mbappe’s first at any European Championship finals, but it increased his tally at major competitions — World Cups and Euros — to 13, taking the France captain level with Just Fontaine and one behind Michel Platini, who netted 14 times. 

The Real Madrid forward will emulate Platini with a goal in the round of 16.

Despite Austria ending France’s five-tournament run of ending top of their group, Mbappe and his teammates seek progress at Euro 2024 when the tournament favourites face runners-up in Group E — currently Belgium — in the first knockout round on July 1.