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| Photo credit — Zinedine Zidane |
Zinedine Zidane’s first match as France head coach ended in a 1-0 UEFA Nations League victory over Turkey on Friday, but the result was overshadowed by an injury to captain Kylian Mbappé.
The Real Madrid forward scored the only goal of the game—his record-extending 67th for Les Bleus—before being forced off with a left-knee problem. Mbappé controlled a pass from Michael Olise and finished low at the near post. Moments later he was on the turf, grimacing and holding the area around his left knee.
He received treatment and briefly returned, only to go down again and require substitution (Désiré Doué came on). Zidane confirmed afterward that the injury was serious enough for Mbappé to leave the national-team camp.
“No, it’s not good. It’s not good, unfortunately,” Zidane told French television. “He will have to go back. We will not take risks, he has extended his knee when he took the shot. It’s not very encouraging.”
The French Football Federation later described it as a tendon injury. Mbappé is returning to Real Madrid for further assessment (an MRI is expected). He will miss the remainder of the international window, which includes upcoming Nations League fixtures against Belgium and Italy.
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This was Zidane’s debut after taking over from Didier Deschamps. The new coach started Mbappé on the left wing rather than centrally. France held on for the win despite the early setback to their captain and star player; Turkey finished with 10 men after a late red card for their goalkeeper.
What it means going forward
• For France: Zidane must manage three more games in a short window without his all-time leading scorer and captain. Depth in attack (Doué, Dembele, Olise, Cherki and others) will be tested.
• For Real Madrid: Club and country will wait on scan results. Mbappé has had previous muscular/knee issues; any significant absence would be a concern ahead of the club season.
• Broader picture: The timing is awkward for both the national team’s Nations League campaign and Mbappé’s individual form/Ballon d’Or considerations.
Further updates will depend on the medical assessment in Madrid. France will look to build on the win while managing the absence of their key attacker.
Samuel O. Sulaimon is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Naijapiz. He covers news, politics, current affairs, education, and technology.
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