Football

Kylian Mbappé, the French football superstar, has become the latest player to don a protective mask on the field after breaking his nose in the opening game of Euro 2024. The carbon-fiber mask is expected to be a fixture for Mbappé if he is to continue playing in the tournament.Mbappé is not the first footballer to wear a mask. Son Heung-min, the South Korean forward, wore one at the 2022 World Cup after suffering a broken eye socket. Joško Gvardiol, the Croatian center back, also wore a mask at the World Cup after a clash of heads.In the past, Paul Gascoigne, the former England midfielder, wore a mask after suffering a broken cheekbone. Antonio Rüdiger, the German defender, wore a mask at Euro 2020 after a blow to the face. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the Gabonese striker, wore a personalized mask after his jaw was broken in a burglary.The use of masks in football has become more common in recent years as players seek to protect themselves from facial injuries. The masks are made of lightweight carbon fiber and are designed to absorb impact and prevent further damage.Mbappé's injury is a blow to France, who are one of the favorites to win Euro 2024. The 24-year-old is one of the most dangerous attackers in the world and his absence would be a major setback for the team.However, Mbappé is determined to play through the pain and help France win the tournament. He has already shown that he can be effective with a mask, scoring a goal in France's 1-0 win over Austria in the opening game.