England's post-Kane era finally looks far more rosy

It's too easy for Mayra Ramirez! Clinical Chelsea are looking ominous

How it feels to beat Lionel Messi

Santos, Doak & the best EPL loanees of the season so far

Saudi Arabia or MLS beckons for Pogba after Juve release

Szoboszlai in tears as Netherlands vs Hungary is halted

Kroos opens door to Real Madrid return 

Why Ronaldo has been released from the Portugal squad

'Please leave him alone!' - Deschamps sends out Mbappe plea

Rashford branded a 'clown' after attending New York Knicks game

Ronaldo stunner the cherry on top for five-star Portugal 

Ronaldo sets clear timeline for retirement

Ex-Man Utd ace says Mainoo shouldn't be in Amorim's starting XI

Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Mbappe had worn mask after breaking nose</li><li>Went without protection for semi-final</li><li>France lost 2-1 </li></ul>

Explained: Why Kylian Mbappe ditched mask for France's Euro 2024 semi-final defeat to Spain

UEFA Nations League A

Italy

France

Spain

Switzerland

<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/kylian-mbappe-will-undergo-surgery-broken-nose-france-boss-didier-deschamps-important-update-on-captain/blt7ae2be3330eaee68" target="_blank">Mbappe broke his nose in the group stages</a> and subsequently donned a mask to protect his face. However, the soon-to-be Real Madrid striker struggled to find the back of the net with the headwear - only scoring in a 1-1 draw with Poland from the penalty spot - and opted to take it off for the semi-final against Spain, although <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/france-player-ratings-vs-spain-euro-2024-kylian-mbappe/blt75e589ca257de638" target="_blank">he could not inspire Les Bleus to victory</a>.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Mbappe put it simply: he was "fed up" of how the mask felt.He told reporters: "They played a better game than us. A big gap? We should review the game. We conceded two goals quickly and in the second half we had opportunities to come back but we didn't come back."Playing without the mask? Before the game, we made the decision, I was fed up with the mask, I asked the doc if I could and he told me I could do what I wanted."

THE EXPLANATION

Mbappe was left heartbroken by France's defeat, insisting their entire tournament was a "failure".He added: "The competition is a failure. I wanted to be European champion. It's been a long year, I'm going on holiday to rest. I wasn't good and we're going home, it's simple. I have to rest. After that, I'm leaving for a new life."

WHAT MBAPPE SAID

Mbappe will take some time to relax before preparing for the new season with Real Madrid. There is no third-place play-off at Euro 2024, so France do not have another fixture to contend with.

WHAT NEXT?

Explained: Why Kylian Mbappe ditched mask for France's Euro 2024 semi-final defeat to Spain | Goal.com

Kylian Mbappe ditched his mask for France&apos;s Euro 2024 semi-final defeat to Spain for one very obvious reason. 

Explained: Why Kylian Mbappe ditched mask for France&apos;s Euro 2024 semi-final defeat to Spain