The weight of the nation can be crushing, but for Kylian Mbappé, the fallout from Euro 2020 was almost career-ending, fueled by a torrent of abhorrent racist abuse that pushed him to the brink of walking away from the France national team. The football icon has now bravely opened up about the darkest period of his storied international journey.
Key Insights from Mbappé's Revelation:
- Mbappé endured vile racist abuse, including being "called a monkey," after his decisive penalty miss at Euro 2020.
- The emotional toll was so severe that he contemplated quitting the France national team entirely.
- A pivotal meeting with then-FFF President Noël Le Graët prevented his premature international retirement.
- Mbappé has since transformed into France captain, leading the team to another World Cup final and defying his detractors with immense resilience.
The Euro 2020 Nightmare: A Hero's Precipitous Fall
The 2020 European Championship was a stark reminder of football's brutal highs and lows. After missing a crucial penalty in France's shocking Round of 16 exit against Switzerland, Kylian Mbappé instantly transitioned from national hero to a target of relentless vitriol. Speaking on The Bridge podcast, he detailed the devastating impact.
"I started being called a monkey," Mbappé recalled, describing the dehumanizing shift. He felt a profound sense of betrayal, stating the national team "was everything, and you put people at the very top who pull you down to the very bottom if you don't score." The experience reshaped his entire perspective on international football.
"All of that was very brutal for me," he added. The superstar confessed that he "went on vacation, and I was a walking dead man." It was a staggering descent for a player who had so quickly risen to prominence as a World Cup winner in 2018.
Beyond the Pitch: Battling Vile Racism and Betrayal
The torrent of racist abuse after Euro 2020 pushed the then 22-year-old Mbappé to the absolute edge. He expressed his deep disillusionment, questioning his place in the team if failure meant such hateful attacks. This trauma fueled his resolve to step away.
"I thought to myself, 'I'm playing for people who, if I don't score, will think I'm a monkey,'" he revealed about his internal struggle. "I thought, 'I can't play for people like that.'" The star even contemplated a return to Paris, seeking refuge from the national spotlight's harsh glare.
The Showdown: Le Graët's Unyielding Intervention
Determined to sever ties with Les Bleus, Mbappé scheduled a tense meeting with French Football Federation President Noël Le Graët. It was a confrontation that could have irrevocably altered the course of France's footballing history. Mbappé made his intentions clear: he wouldn't play again.
However, Le Graët was not prepared to lose his generational talent. The FFF chief delivered an unwavering refusal, famously telling Mbappé, "You think you're going to leave the office just like that? Forget it." This firm stance forced the young forward to reconsider his drastic decision, highlighting the immense value placed on his presence.
Rebirth of a Leader: Mbappé's Resilient Return to Glory
Against all odds, Mbappé not only persevered but thrived. He channeled his pain into unparalleled performance, leading France to an improbable 2022 World Cup final. His historic hat-trick in that epic clash against Argentina showcased his incredible mental fortitude and enduring brilliance on the biggest stage.
Today, Kylian Mbappé stands as the undisputed captain of his country, a testament to his resilience and growth. He is now just one goal shy of equaling Olivier Giroud's all-time scoring record for the France national team, solidifying his legacy as one of the game's true titans. His journey from "walking dead man" to inspirational leader is a powerful narrative of overcoming adversity.
