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Real Madrid and France forward Kylian Mbappe recently made a stunning claim about the UEFA Nations League. He spoke about the contrasting emotions he felt when France lifted the trophy and the following season when they failed to win.
The 25-year-old, who moved from Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid in the summer, is back in France on international duty. Les Bleus take on Italy and Belgium in the UEFA Nations League, a tournament which Mbappe won back in the 2020-21 season.
Speaking to the press, Kylian Mbappe recalled how winning the inaugural edition of the tournament didn't cause any euphoria, but losing it felt like the "end of the world".
"For us there is nothing more important than the French national team, we have already won this competition and there wasn’t an extraordinary reaction," Mbappe recalled.
"We won in Milan (the final against Spain) and at the end of the game I didn’t even feel like I had won a trophy. But, when we lost it, it was the end of the world," added Mbappe on the contrasting emotions he experienced.
The reigning World Cup champions at the time faced Spain in the final of the first edition of the UEFA Nations League. Mikel Oyarzabal put La Roja in front 20 minutes into the second half. After Karim Benzema equalized, Kylian Mbappe won the trophy for the team with a well-taken goal in the 80th minute.
The following season, they failed to qualify for the knock-out stage after finishing third in the group.
"In football, you can't satisfy everyone" - Kylian Mbappe
France are grouped alongside Italy, Belgium and Israel in the UEFA Nations League. They come into the tournament after losing in the semis of the 2024 Euros to eventual champions Spain.
After their exit, there was widespread criticism aimed at the French team, with some players the subject of racial abuse online. Taking the high road, Mbappe said that he doesn't think too much about what other people are thinking and that he is focused on giving his best.
"I’m at a point in my life and career where I don’t think too much about other people’s evaluations," the 25-year-old said.
"I arrive, play and always try to give my best, the best possible version for the national team. I love this shirt. Then in football you can’t satisfy everyone," he added.
France play Italy in their first group match at home today (September 6) before hosting Belgium on Monday, September 9.
