when Kylian Mbappé’s mask becomes the laughing stock of social networks

In the middle of Euro 2024, a masked man is making the rounds on social networks. On June 20 during training before a match against the Netherlands, Kylian Mbappé made a remarkable appearance on the field. The France team captain and striker wore a protective mask after suffering a broken nose during a match against Austria on Monday. Following this accident, the striker surveyed his community on X (formerly Twitter) with a question: “Any ideas for masks?” Without warning, its subscribers did not lack creativity between the proposals for a wrestler or gladiator mask. Before Kylian Mbappé finally directs his choice towards a “chauvinist” mask.

The accessory in blue-white-red colors and decorated with the Gallic rooster amused more than one football fan on in response to numerous photomontages which compare the player to the Ninja Turtles, these fictional characters created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird in 1984 recognizable by their famous blindfolds.

“Turtle style”, “We now have a even timeless”, “So disappointing, we wanted a turtle mask…”, “Is this his superhero identity?”, “I’m in tears”, quip other Internet users. On the platform, everyone shares their favorite photoshopped image or their best reference from pop culture. In the space of a few hours, Kylian Mbappé is a samurai turtle, an Avenger or a video game character. “I hope that with this legendary mask, France will win the Euro,” tweets a fan.

Drop the mask

However, the tricolor mask will have no link with a potential future victory for the Blues. Because even if he made the Web laugh, Kylian Mbappé will not wear it in competition. Article 42 of the regulations of UEFA, the union of European football associations, stipulates that “medical equipment worn on the playing field must be of a solid color and must not show any identification of the team or the manufacturer” . A rule that takes into account face masks, but also helmets, casts, knee pads, knee braces, elbow pads and any other medical equipment. It remains to be seen whether Kylian Mbappé will drop the mask during the match scheduled for this evening between France and the Netherlands.