Can France’s golden boy lead Les Bleus to European glory?

France boasts fearsome strength in depth but remain hugely reliant on Kylian Mbappé for inspiration and are now facing the prospect of being without their injured superstar for at least their next EURO 2024 game.

The French captain is currently recovering from a broken nose suffered in Monday's 1-0 win over Austria in Düsseldorf in their opening match at the tournament.

France has been listed as second favourites to win this year’s UEFA EURO 2024.

France next face Netherlands in a huge crunch game on Friday, which will be shown live on Showmax Premier League at 21:00.

If France are to win this year’s UEFA EURO tournament, it is almost certain that they will need their star attacker and captain Kylian Mbappé to drive them to glory.

Whether he will be at his peak during the EUROs has now been put in huge doubt following an injury in France’s game on Monday night, which saw the striker suffer a broken nose during the game.

While fears that he may not be able to play in the tournament again have been put to bed, Mbappé will need to wear a mask when he returns to action.

How it will affect his performance is uncertain, but what is certain is that it is imperative that Real Madrid’s new star signing needs to be on the pitch if France are to have any chance of glory in Germany.
Mbappé will be unlikely to feature in tomorrow’s blockbuster game against the Netherlands, and it is unsure just how long the striker will be out for.

Showmax this week takes a close look at the French striker and his rise to stardom as France’s golden boy.

Kylian Mbappé: The baller with the world at his feet

Mbappé is a forward who currently plays for Real Madrid and the French national side. He is widely considered one of the best players in the world.

After an initial loan spell, Mbappé joined PSG from Monaco for €180million in 2018, becoming the second most expensive player of all time behind teammate Neymar.

He is a six-time title winner in France and was awarded the Ligue 1 Player of the Year five times. He was the league's top scorer in 2018/19, 2019/20, 2020/21, 2021/22, 2022/23 and 2023/24.

Mbappé was part of the France side that won the 2018 World Cup in Russia, finishing the tournament with four goals including a clinical strike against Croatia in the final.

He became the first teenager since Brazil legend Pele to score in a World Cup final and was awarded the FIFA Best Young Player award.

Mbappé took his tally of World Cup final goals to a record four with a hat-trick in the 2022 final as France drew 3-3 with Argentina before being beaten on penalties.

It was only the second ever treble in a men's World Cup final, matching England striker Sir Geoff Hurst in 1966.

His third goal from the spot helped him pip Lionel Messi to the 2022 World Cup Golden Boot.

In June 2023, he became the top French scorer in a single club and international campaign after scoring his 54th goal of the season in a 1-0 win over Greece.

After winning six Ligue 1 titles, four French Cups and scoring 256 goals in 308 appearances for PSG, he joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2024.

Monaco: The birth of a superstar

His ascent to footballing greatness traces back to his early days at Monaco. From his youth at AS Bondy to becoming Monaco's youngest ever player, Mbappé's journey was marked by milestones and exceptional performances that set the stage for his meteoric rise.

Paris Saint-Germain: A reign of dominance

Mbappé's transition to PSG in 2017 was a game-changer, propelling him to new heights of success and recognition. From earning the prestigious Golden Boy award to becoming the Ligue 1 Player of the Year, his time at PSG was laden with achievements that solidified his status as a footballing prodigy. It is unfortunate how his journey at PSG ended, with Mbappé achieving so much during his time with the Ligue 1 giants.

Real Madrid: The ultimate destination

In a move that reverberated across the footballing world, Mbappé's transfer to Real Madrid in 2024 symbolised the culmination of a dream and the beginning of a new chapter filled with promise and potential. The anticipation surrounding his arrival at the iconic Bernabeu Stadium was a testament to his undeniable talent and star power.

French international success

Mbappé's impact on the French national team has been undeniable, with standout performances in major tournaments like the 2018 World Cup in Russia. His ability to deliver on the grandest stages, including record-breaking feats and crucial goals, has endeared him to fans and critics alike, cementing his legacy as a shining star of French football.

Triumphs and tribulations: A true champion

While his journey has been marked by moments of triumph, including unprecedented goal-scoring records and individual accolades, Mbappé's resilience in the face of adversity, such as the challenges of EURO 2020, serves as a testament to his character and determination to overcome obstacles on his path to greatness.

Legacy of excellence: redefining the game

Mbappé's impact on the footballing landscape transcends statistics and achievements, embodying a spirit of excellence and innovation that continues to inspire players and fans around the world. His legacy as a true phenomenon on the world stage is a testament to his unmatched talent, dedication, and unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the beautiful game.

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