Mbappé too good for France?

Kylian Mbappé’s history with France highlights both footballing achievements and the social pressures around the national team. Five years ago, after France lost to Switzerland in the Euro 2020 Round of 16 and were pushed to penalties, Mbappé ended up taking the deciding kick that was saved, following a dramatic late collapse. ESPN described the defeat as a “huge failure,” while French outlets ran headlines about disillusionment and devastation; the fallout included racist abuse on social media toward the 22-year-old at the time, including a viral comment calling for brutal punishment and resale of Mbappé. Despite that, Mbappé later led France to their next World Cup final in Qatar, losing on penalties to Argentina. Now France are in the semifinals facing Spain on Tuesday, and Mbappé is the captain and leading scorer, with 20 goals in all World Cup competition, second only to Lionel Messi. The article also recounts Mbappé’s political backlash involving Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella and notes calls from players in 2024 urging citizens to vote amid polling strength for National Rally.