A bitter pill to swallow for France and new boss Zinedine Zidane! The euphoria of a debut victory was cruelly cut short by the devastating sight of captain Kylian Mbappé clutching his knee, an injury that now sidelines him indefinitely. This dramatic twist casts a long shadow over the UEFA Nations League campaign and raises serious concerns for Real Madrid.
Kylian Mbappé secured France's 1-0 win against Turkey in Zinedine Zidane's first match as national team manager.
The Real Madrid superstar suffered a tendon injury to his left knee while scoring his 67th international goal.
Mbappé is officially withdrawn from the France squad, missing upcoming fixtures against Belgium and Italy.
The injury casts a significant shadow over both France's Nations League aspirations and Real Madrid's start to the season.
Zidane's Debut Joy Turns to Injury Anguish
Zinedine Zidane's reign as France manager began with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Turkey in the UEFA Nations League, a result that should have been cause for unbridled celebration. However, the elation was short-lived. In the 67th minute, as Kylian Mbappé netted what would be his 67th international goal and the game's only strike, his left leg appeared to plant awkwardly on the less-than-ideal Kocaeli Stadium pitch.
The Real Madrid talisman initially tried to celebrate, but quickly recoiled, clutching his knee in obvious distress before collapsing to the turf. It was a moment that sent a collective shiver down the spine of every French fan, turning triumph into palpable worry.
A Costly Celebration for the French Skipper
The manner of the injury was particularly concerning. While burying the shot with his right foot, Mbappé's left knee buckled, leading to an overextension. This instant pain signaled a potentially serious issue, a harsh reminder of football's unforgiving nature at the very peak of performance.
French Federation Confirms Mbappé's Immediate Withdrawal
The initial fears were quickly confirmed. Speaking after the match, Zinedine Zidane didn't mince words about the gravity of the situation.

