Euros viewers spot France players' gesture after Mbappe took mask off to celebrate goal
Not even a broken nose can keep Kylian Mbappe down.
The 25-year-old star returned to the starting line-up today (25 June) after being left on the bench when his team took on the Netherlands on Friday (21 June) following his grisly injury which he sustained earlier last week.
He horrifically collided with Kevin Danso's shoulder while France battled it out against Austria last Monday (17 June) and sustained a broken nose as a result of the clash.
Mbappe, who has just made the move from PSG to Real Madrid, has since been sporting a protective, custom-made mask to protect his hooter from any more damage throughout Euro 2024.
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During training, he was seen wearing a tricolour mask featuring his initials and his country's colours, but he isn't allowed to use this during games due to UEFA rules.
Defender Jonathan Clauss also Mbappe was 'getting used to his mask' and that he seemed to be doing 'great' ahead of the team's clash against Poland tonight (25 June).
As you can tell, his injury left his teammates and fans quite concerned - and although he appears to be okay, his pals aren't taking any chances and are treating him with kid gloves for the time being.
Take a look at this:
After the footie ace got one in the back of the net after a penalty in the 56th minute of the Group D decider - which is his first goal in the Euros so far - he sprinted off to the French side of the crowd to celebrate with supporters.
His teammates obviously weren't far behind him and rushed over to congratulate Mbappe, but they took a much more gentle approach than the usual pile on we're used to seeing.
The likes of N'Golo Kante, Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola and Jules Kounde gathered around the star and gently patted his head to congratulate him on the goal.
The gesture wasn't missed by football fans watching from home, who took to social media to share their thoughts on the French team's tact when dealing with the injured player.
One said: "That must be one of the all-time most considerate/restrained team goal celebrations following Mbappé’s penalty. No-one touched the nose."
Another wrote: "When Mbappe scores and his teammates are delicate with their celebrations with him so they don’t hurt his nose."
While a third added: "Everyone gently patting Mbappe's head after the goal so as not to further break his nose lmao."
Robert Lewandowski then managed to perfectly place a penalty past Mike Maignan in the 79th minute, making the score 1-1 - before accidentally brushing Mbappe's nose.
The captain was seen fiddling with his mask in discomfort after the bump.
Olivia Burke