Currently has as many broken noses as he does Euro Championship goals. Just the one goal in 8 games, and that was a penalty.
In contrast he has 12 World Cup goals and 4 in World Cup finals.
He also has the burden of missing the penalty that saw France knocked out in Euro20 - the only time France have failed to reach the Euro or World Cup final since 2014.
Obviously it hasn't been just him this tournament, they have been poor as an attacking unit. For France to win tonight you will think Mbappe has to find some form. Could they even call upon their record scorer Olivier Giroud and play Mbappe from wide?
Tonight sees the most dominant European teams of the last quarter of a century or so - only 4 of the last 14 finals (WC and EC including this one) haven't featured either.
1998 - France winners
2000 - France winners
2002
2004
2006 - France runners-up
2008 - Spain winners
2010 - Spain winners
2012 - Spain winners
2014 -
2016 - France runners-up
2018 - France winners
2020 -
2022 - France runners-up
2024 - Spain ????
Over the years there has been a few meetings between the two, most famously in the 1984 Euro final - Platini and Bellone netting in a 2-0 French win. They played out a 1-1 draw in Euro96, before Zidane and Djorkaeff goals were enough in a 2-1 Euro2000 quarter.
France were again the winners in their first World Cup meeting, a comeback 3-1 win with David Villa opening the scoring before Zidane, Vieira and Ribery won it.
Spains first victory came in their run to 2012 Euro glory, Xabi Alonso scoring both in a 2-0 win.
The last competitive meeting was in the 2021 Nations League final. Oyarzabel opened the scoring for Spain before Benzema and Mbappe won it for France.
While tonight it is expected to be a midfield game, with Spains possession and Frances defensive stability being key to each teams progress. However, to win it they need some individual attacking quality - is it Mbappes time to shine in a Euros game?
Kylian Mbappe & the meeting of Europes best
posted on 9/7/24
I hope Spain win tonight, been the best team by far this tournament which as a whole has been pretty disappointing.
I'm sure the French aren't disappointed at what they've achieved over the past 25 years or so but you wonder what a more attacking manager could do with the players France have had in recent years. Dechamps is a bit like Safegate but at least he has a WC to show for it.
posted on 9/7/24
In contrast he has 12 World Cup goals and 4 in World Cup finals.
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yeah cos the competition is pi sh compared to the mighty europe
posted on 9/7/24
comment by Taki Minamino (U20650)
posted 8 minutes ago
In contrast he has 12 World Cup goals and 4 in World Cup finals.
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yeah cos the competition is pi sh compared to the mighty europe
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5 against Argentina and 5 against teams who were at the Euros.
posted on 9/7/24
So you're saying the non European and South American teams are actually the toughest?
posted on 9/7/24
Spain have been the best team so far in the tournament and if there was an justice they'd win the whole thing. However, don't they have some players missing tonight and I fear France may capitalise on that with a moment of magic or by winning a dull game.
posted on 9/7/24
Hoping for a France win as I have them in the work sweepstake and I reckon England have a better chance of beating them, if we win tomorrow.
posted on 9/7/24
Fancy France big time tonight. Spain have Le Normand, Carvajal and Pedri all missing.
Spain will attack France, which the French love as they can play on the counter.
As good as Spain have been, I think only Germany have really tested their back line and now it will be missing two players - could be crucial.
posted on 9/7/24
38yo Navas up against Mbappe. Hope he's still got his pace otherwise that could get embarrassing.
posted on 9/7/24
Mbappe scored as many times as he's bust his nose. That was also a penalty.
#overrated.