Real Madrid’s new signing Kylian Mbappe will want to forget France’s opening game of Euro 2024 in a hurry.

The former Paris Saint-Germain star attempted to head home a goal late in the second half of France’s opening Group D match but ended up smashing his nose into the shoulder of an opponent.

Mbappe, captaining the French side against Austria, had a game to forget for a variety of reasons. Although he played a crucial role in the only goal of the match, with his cross deflecting off Maximilian Wöber into the Austrian net, his personal performance was marred by injury.

The 26-year-old was spotted on the ground in agony, and when medical staff attended to him, his face was covered in blood. The Frenchman was taken off the field while holding his nose, as France readied a substitution for their ailing captain. Play continued before Olivier Giroud could be brought on to replace Mbappe.

Mbappe then walked back onto the field before sitting down again, prompting the referee to stop the game. The official ran towards the Frenchman, while fans booed. France coach Didier Deschamps tried to argue his star striker’s case, but Mbappe was still shown a yellow card for re-entering the field without permission.

Despite the incident, France managed to secure a narrow 1-0 win and will now turn their attention to their next game against the Netherlands on June 21.

Austria, much improved under Ralf Rangnick, often made life uncomfortable for the 2022 World Cup runners-up, who saw Mbappe leave the field near the end after his collision.

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