Kylian Mbappe almost quit France national team after Euro 2020 penalty miss – now he’s returning ahead of potential blockbuster Real Madrid transfer
Share this @internewscast.com

Kylian Mbappe is ready to right the wrongs of 2021.

Kylian Mbappe could be experiencing a sense of deja vu as the Euros approach this summer, with the pressure of an entire nation’s hopes resting on him once more—plus Real Madrid keeping a watchful eye from the sidelines.

All eyes will be on Mbappe yet again to lead France to glory - something he could not do at Euro 2020

5

All eyes will be on Mbappe yet again to lead France to glory – something he could not do at Euro 2020Credit: Getty

France are at Euro 2024 as one of the favourites after their World Cup 2022 final appearance, where Mbappe grabbed a thrilling hat-trick.

And he will be desperate to exorcise the memory of their miserable exit at Euro 2020 in one of the tournament’s most pulsating matches.

In the thrilling first knockout round, following a 3-3 stalemate in Bucharest, Switzerland triumphed over the reigning World Cup champions when Yann Sommer made a crucial save against Mbappe’s penalty in dramatic fashion.

Karim Benzema had equalised for France just before the hour mark to cancel out Haris Seferovic’s early strike before scoring again two minutes later.

Paul Pogba then delivered a spectacular strike from distance, finding the top corner, but Switzerland responded with two late goals from Haris Seferovic and Mario Gavranovic, pushing the match into a penalty shootout.

Switzerland had scored all five of their spot-kicks before the French golden boy stepped up to take Les Bleus’ decisive penalty to send the game to sudden death.

But fans were left shocked when the Paris Saint-Germain star hit his effort somewhat tamely to his left, allowing Sommer to pull off a spectacular save and defeat the hot favourites to win the entire tournament.

Mbappe looked heartbroken, having won the World Cup with France just three years before where he became the second teenager ever after the legendary Brazil striker Pele to score in the final.

Mbappe's saved penalty saw France knocked out of Euro 2020 in shock circumstances

5

Mbappe’s saved penalty saw France knocked out of Euro 2020 in shock circumstancesCredit: Getty
Mbappe nearly quit France as a result of the abuse he suffered after

5

Mbappe nearly quit France as a result of the abuse he suffered afterCredit: AFP

What followed was despicable, though, with the Frenchman revealing he nearly quit international football after receiving torrents of racist abuse.

In October 2021, he said: “I received the message, that my ego was what made us lose, that I wanted to take up too much space, and that without me, therefore, we might have won.

Danny Murphy admits he wouldn’t swap his Community Shield or League Cup medal for a gold medal as he dismisses football as an Olympic sport

“The most important thing is the French national team and if the French national team is happier without me, [I’ll go].

“I met with the president and we talked about it. What I went to complain to him about was that I was insulted and called a ‘monkey’ for missing a penalty.

Mbappe is ready to exorcise the ghosts of Euro 2020

5

Mbappe is ready to exorcise the ghosts of Euro 2020Credit: Getty

“That is not the same thing. I will never complain about a penalty. The penalty, I was the one who missed it.”

The summer of 2021 did not stop for Mbappe there, though, as Real Madrid began their frontal assault for his signature from PSG, making a jaw-dropping bid of €200million (£171m) on deadline day.

The fee would have made him the second-most expensive player of all time after Neymar, who joined PSG from Barcelona for £200m in August 2017.

PSG turned down the money despite the forward being out of contract the following summer as they believed that he would pen a new contract, a premonition that looked audacious at the time – but would turn out to be true.

At the time, PSG director Leonardo even admitted that Mbappe wanted to leave and was desperate to join Real Madrid.

However, fast-forward 12 months and the Paris-born superstar had penned his short-term future to the Ligue 1 giants – signing a lucrative two-year contract extension worth nearly £1m a week.

It only appeared to put off the inevitable – that a move to Madrid was forthcoming eventually – and that PSG had battened down the hatches with shoestrings.

It has led us to this moment in time, on the crux of another European Championship and another transfer saga in the summer of 2024.

Mbappe appears to be on the way out of Paris Saint-Germain but he's got his eyes on  Champions League glory first

5

Mbappe appears to be on the way out of Paris Saint-Germain but he’s got his eyes on Champions League glory firstCredit: Getty

Meanwhile, he’s also on the cusp of Champions League glory.

In 2021, Man City ended his dream at the semi-final stage and, once again, he finds himself in the final four.

This time, though, City are out, and Borussia Dortmund are standing in their way of a final berth.

And if successful, the football gods appear to have created an outrageous scenario which could even see Mbappe face Real Madrid in the final on June 1.

Now aged 25, Mbappe has experienced more than most players will ever get close to in a lifetime, and the memories of Bucharest will be as vivid as ever in Germany this summer.

This time, though, he can right those wrongs of 2021 – by winning the Champions League, leading France to glory at the Euros and finally signing for Real Madrid.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

New Balance Unveils Tekela v5: The Latest in Precision Control Football Boots

New Balance has lifted the curtain on the Tekela v5, the fifth generation…

NFL and Fanatics Redesign All 32 Team Kits in Exclusive Collection

In North America, the word “football” evokes images of touchdowns, tailgates, and…

Behind the Scenes: England’s Under-21 Stars Outshine Glastonbury & The Misstep by M&S with the Lionesses

England’s Under-21s captured the nation’s imagination, with a staggering 3.7million (37 per…

Support Grows to Knight Bobby Moore: Sporting Icons and TV Networks Back Mail Sport’s Campaign

Sporting and TV giants are backing the campaign for England hero Bobby…

Fans Across the Globe Honor Diogo Jota: Liverpool Faithful Sing “You’ll Never Walk Alone” at Anfield; Banner Displayed During Portugal vs. Spain Women’s Euros Match

Emotions were heightened during Portugal’s match against Spain at the Women’s Euros…

Wolves willing to let Pedro Neto leave for Arsenal or Tottenham under specific terms

Wolves will not stand in Neto’s way if a Champions League club…

Kevin Nolan shares a message from Declan Rice before Kalvin Phillips’ potential loan to West Ham

West Ham coach Kevin Nolan says Declan Rice told him to look…

Bayer Leverkusen’s director shares insights on Liverpool’s successful bid to sign Florian Wirtz in a record-setting £116m deal.

A Bayer Leverkusen director has explained how Liverpool won the race to…

Unveiling the Success of England’s U21 Team: Candid Conversations with Ashley Cole, Wagamama Team Dinners, and Oasis Anthems Inspire Young Lions to Victory

It is the day before the European Championship final and while some players…

Alejandro Garnacho Sparks Outrage Among Manchester United Fans with Gesture Towards Marcus Rashford

Alejandro Garnacho seems to have made a subtle public comment about Manchester…

Ex-Chelsea Player Extends Heartfelt Support to Family of Dancer Who Tragically Fell in Indonesian Volcano

Former Chelsea striker Alexandre Pato has offered to pay the pay the bill…