On June 20, Mbappe took to the training field wearing a mask designed in the style of the French flag, after breaking his nose in France’s 1-0 win over Austria on the opening day of Euro 2024. However, according to Article 42 of the UEFA Equipment Regulations, medical equipment used by players on the field must be of a single color and cannot identify the team or manufacturer.

Players similar to Mbappe in the past have often used black masks. According to RMC Sports , Mbappe has received other masks, one of which is solid and can be worn during matches. The French Football Federation (FFF) has not yet confirmed the device used by the 25-year-old striker.

Mbappe wears a mask in the colors of the French flag at a training session on June 20. Photo: Reuters

Mbappe suffered a broken nose in a collision with Kevin Danso in the opening match of Euro 2024 on June 17. The Real Madrid new signing was expected to miss the match against the Netherlands and even miss the group stage. According to Le Figaro , doctors in Germany had advised surgery, but he and the French team doctors agreed to postpone it until at least the end of the tournament. Because Mbappe would not be able to continue playing at Euro 2024 if he had surgery.

Coach Didier Deschamps said Mbappe’s injury appeared to be positive. The French coaching staff will assess the player’s fitness closer to the start of the match against the Netherlands, at 2:00 a.m. tomorrow Hanoi time.

“I can confirm that Mbappe is feeling better,” Deschamps said at a pre-match press conference. “Everything is going well and on track ahead of the game against the Netherlands.”

Despite shining at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, Mbappe has yet to have a chance at the Euros and has yet to score. In 2020, France stopped in the round of 16 after drawing 3-3 with Switzerland in 120 minutes, then lost 4-5 on penalties, with Mbappe being the only one to miss.