Frank Christian
France’s Kylian Mbappe was thrust into the limelight not for his football prowess but due to a recent injury at Euro 2024. A collision with Austria’s Kevin Danso left the 25-year-old forward with a broken nose during France’s Group D opener.
The President of the French Football Federation, Philippe Diallo, assured Mbappe’s continued participation in the European Championship with necessary precautions, including the use of a protective face mask.
To understand how Mbappe swiftly returned to the field post-injury, it’s essential to delve into why he had to sport a mask and its significance.
The Purpose of Kylian Mbappe’s Protective Face Mask
In order to shield his broken nose from further harm, Kylian Mbappe will wear a protective face mask while representing France at Euro 2024. This precaution is crucial to prevent additional injury or long-term damage to the affected area.
Mbappe was spotted in a tricolore mask during a training session, complying with UEFA regulations that stipulate a plain mask during matches. Despite starting as a substitute, he eventually returned to the starting lineup and scored against Poland in the group stage.
Beneficial Role of Masks in Soccer
Polycarbonate masks aid players recovering from facial injuries to safely resume playing before full recovery. Injuries like broken noses or orbital fractures, which do not impair performance directly, allow players to return post-injury with protective measures in place.
Noteworthy Examples of Soccer Players Wearing Masks
Various footballers have donned face masks in recent tournaments. Notable instances include Croatian player Josko Gvardiol at the 2022 World Cup, Tottenham’s Son Heung-Min after a Champions League clash, and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen following a head injury and surgery.
