France striker Randal Kolo Muani didn’t realize how challenging it was for teammate Kylian Mbappé to wear a protective mask at Euro 2024 until he tried it himself.
“You really can’t see anything,” Kolo Muani remarked on Sunday. “Nothing.”
Mbappé has been wearing the mask due to a broken nose, which has possibly affected his performance in the tournament. He has scored only one goal from a penalty in four games.
However, Kolo Muani defended Mbappé during a press conference at France’s training base in Paderborn, Germany. He praised Mbappé’s leadership qualities and expressed confidence that there is still time for Mbappé to have a significant impact at Euro 2024.
France is set to face Spain in the semifinals in Munich on Tuesday.
“Being captain comes naturally to him,” Kolo Muani said about Mbappé, who is 25 years old. “He has the ability to lead the team, provide ideas, and advise other players.”
“He was born for this. He was born to lift the team up.”
Mbappé has also been dealing with physical issues that he believes will improve after a full preseason with his new club, Real Madrid.
Kolo Muani believes that even if Mbappé isn’t at his peak form, he can still inspire France to win the tournament.
“Even if he’s not scoring, it’s our job to support him and motivate him,” Kolo Muani emphasized. “The competition isn’t over yet. Aside from his minor nose injury, he’s physically fine.”
