sports
Mbappé: called 'mono' after missing Euro 2021 penalty
Kylian Mbappé told The Bridge Show he faced racial abuse after a missed Euro 2021 penalty, briefly considered leaving the France team, defended his defensive role at Real Madrid, and recounted several personal anecdotes.
Apr 2nd 2026 · France
Insights
- On The Bridge Show Mbappé said people called him "mono" and insulted him after he missed the decisive penalty against Switzerland at Euro 2021.
- He told the show the abuse made him consider quitting the French national team before the federation president persuaded him to stay.
- Mbappé admitted he defends less than some teammates but said when he defends at Real Madrid his actions noticeably help the team.
- He described the period after the missed penalty as feeling like a "living dead" after falling from hero status following the 2018 World Cup win.
- He also shared lighter anecdotes about Gvardiol's celebration, playing Football Manager with Achraf Hakimi during the 2022 World Cup, and obtaining a French A driving license in Madrid.
Sources
- Mbappé: "Empecé a recibir insultos de mono. Me fui de vacaciones y era un muerto viviente" www.mundodeportivo.com
- Mbappé deja claro por qué Messi es el mejor: "Es un abuso" www.mundodeportivo.com
- "Me llamaron mono"<br> www.marca.com
- Mbappé relata el infierno que vivió tras fallar un penalti decisivo en la Eurocopa 2021: "Mucha gente me insultó y me llamó mono; quería dejar la selección" www.cope.es
- Mbappé desvela su peor momento como futbolista: "Me llamaron mono, me fui de vacaciones y era un muerto viviente" www.20minutos.es