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"My ambition was to be champion of Europe - but it was a failure."

Kylian Mbappe dazzled the world at the 2018 World Cup in Russia as a teenager, scoring four goals to help France claim their first title in 20 years. He followed that up with a remarkable eight goals in the 2022 tournament, including a hat-trick in the final penalty shootout defeat against Argentina, tying Pele's record of 12 goals in World Cup tournaments.

However, Mbappe's performance at Euro 2020 was less impressive. He failed to score and his missed penalty in the shootout led to France's elimination by Switzerland in the last 16.

Heading into Euro 2024 in Germany as one of the top players to watch, Mbappe struggled again. He scored only a single penalty in a 1-1 group-stage draw with Poland, a result that caused France to miss out on the top spot in their group and face a tougher draw in the knockout stages.

Despite having nine shots on target during the tournament, Mbappe managed to create only three chances, one of which was a brilliant assist for Randal Kolo Muani's opening goal against Spain.

"Mbappe delivered a wonderful ball - but that was the only bit of quality in the final third that France showed," former England defender Rio Ferdinand said on BBC One. "That is not enough in a game of this magnitude. Mbappe will be disappointed with his tournament. This is not what we have come to expect."

In his 14 World Cup appearances, Mbappe averages 1.11 goals and assists per 90 minutes, compared to just 0.32 in his nine appearances at the Euros. His crucial moment in the semi-final came late when he cut inside the Spanish defense but missed the target, skying his shot.

"That is a goal he has scored a thousand times in his career," said French football expert Julien Laurens on BBC Radio 5 Live. "Mbappe didn't take his chance and, when it mattered the most, France lacked a bit of magic."

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