Kylian Mbappé Reflects on World Cup Final Heartbreak
France’s superstar striker Kylian Mbappé has opened up about the devastating defeat his side suffered in the 2024 World Cup final against arch-rivals Argentina.
In a candid interview, the 25-year-old powerhouse admitted that the loss, France’s second World Cup final anguish in four years, was “the toughest moment” of his illustrious career so far.
“It was absolutely gut-wrenching,” Mbappé confessed. “We had worked so hard, come so far, and to fall at the final hurdle was just devastating. I think every one of us on that pitch was completely shattered.”
Mbappé, who finished as the tournament’s top scorer, was unable to inspire his team to glory despite his heroic individual displays. Argentina’s Lionel Messi finally claimed the only major trophy missing from his glittering CV, leaving the French ace inconsolable.
“Seeing Messi lift that trophy, knowing it should have been us, was just brutal,” Mbappé admitted. “We were so close to making history, to cementing our names as legends of the game. But it just wasn’t meant to be on the day.”
The Paris Saint-Germain frontman revealed the squad had been haunted by the loss in the weeks and months that followed. However, he insisted the team would use the pain of that defeat to fuel their desire for redemption at the next World Cup.
“It’s going to drive us, make us hungrier than ever before,” Mbappé declared. “We have unfinished business, a score to settle. And I can promise you, we’ll be coming back stronger than ever to make sure we get our hands on that trophy.”
With Mbappé still at the peak of his powers, France will undoubtedly be among the favourites to go all the way in 2028. For now, the young superstar is using the heartbreak of 2024 as motivation to cement his legacy as one of football’s all-time greats.