Why is Kylian Mbappe wearing a mask during Euro 2024 Round of 16 clash against Belgium?

France superstar Kylian Mbappe is playing with a mask in the side's ongoing Round of 16 clash against Belgium as he had broken his nose in Les Blues' tournament opener against Austria. The incident occurred in the second half of the side's first group-stage clash against Austria.

Mbappe collided with Austrian defender Kevin Danso's shoulder, causing his nose to bleed extensively. He received treatment on the field before eventually being substituted.

After taking the decision to avoid surgery, which would have kept him out for an extended period of time, the Real Madrid forward is wearing a black protective mask. The injury caused him to miss France's second group-stage clash against the Netherlands.

Mbappe did not take part in the match against the Netherlands, but returned in time to face Poland.

Kylian Mbappe opens up on playing with a mask at Euro 2024

He admitted that it was difficult for him.

Kylian Mbappe talked about how he felt after suffering a knock that resulted in a broken nose for him in France's clash against Austria. The 25-year-old superstar stated that it was horrible to play with a mask.

Mbappe said (via press conference):

"It’s horrible playing with a mask. I keep changing masks because every time there is something that bothers me, there’s something that’s not quite right. It’s quite difficult playing with a mask because it limits your field of vision, your sweat clogs up and you need to let the sweat out."

“The first few days I felt like I was wearing 3D glasses and it wasn’t me who was playing. If I get to take the mask off I will, but now I don’t have a choice. I hate it. It’s really annoying. I’ve had to change it five times.”

Mbappe has already changed his mask multiple times, initially opting for one with his nation's red, blue and white colour scheme before having to change it to comply with UEFA regulations.

The Frenchman is expected to continue with the mask for the rest of Euro 2024. While he does not require immediate surgery, Spanish outlet COPE report that he will undergo a procedure after being unveiled at Real Madrid.