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Why Kylian Mbappe has never watched back the 2022 World Cup final
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- Why Kylian Mbappe has never watched back the 2022 World Cup final
Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images
Kylian Mbappe has said he has never watched back the 2022 World Cup final, with the France forward explaining why during a recent Sorare interview.
The Real Madrid forward gave a clear answer. He does not want to revisit the match because of what it might bring back.
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For many fans, that final is remembered as one of the great football spectacles of recent times. For Mbappe, it is remembered as a defeat.
What Kylian Mbappe said about never watching the 2022 World Cup final again
Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images
Mbappe's answer was direct. "I did never rewatch the 2022 World Cup final. Never. If I watch it, it might awaken some demons. We have to move on. We lost."
That explains why the match means something different to him than it does to neutral viewers. He does not see it as a personal highlights reel.
Mbappe was speaking about a final where France came close to retaining the trophy, only to leave Qatar beaten.
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The important point is not only that he has avoided watching the game. It is how he framed that decision as part of moving forward after defeat.
How the 2022 World Cup final unfolded
Argentina beat France 4-2 on penalties after a 3-3 draw at Lusail Stadium on 18 December 2022.
Mbappe scored a hat-trick, including two late goals in normal time and another penalty in extra time.
He also converted France's first penalty in the shootout, but Argentina still won the trophy.
That is why the match carries two meanings. It was an extraordinary individual performance, but it ended with France losing the World Cup.
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Since then, Mbappe has spoken about wanting to build a major legacy at Real Madrid.
"I am happy and proud to be able to play for this club, for this team, and I really want to leave my mark on Real Madrid history."
That gives his World Cup answer a clear context. Mbappe is not looking back at the night France fell short. He is focused on what comes next.
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