Mbappé injury sparks debate over link to new boots

Kylian Mbappé, captain of the French national team, sustained an injury during France’s 1-0 victory over Turkey in the UEFA Nations League, prompting speculation about whether his new boots from Swiss brand On—worn after ending his long partnership with Nike—played a role.

Mbappé scored the only goal of the match before clutching his left knee and leaving the pitch before the hour mark. Coach Zinedine Zidane later announced that initial tests indicated a left knee tendon injury, adding that the technical staff would not risk playing him in the remaining international fixtures.

Speculation over new boots’ impact

The injury occurred in Mbappé’s first official match wearing the new boots. Previously, he had played the Madrid derby against Atlético in plain white boots without the Nike logo, and was later seen in France training sessions wearing a prototype pair from On.

The timing of the injury and the debut of the new boots fueled speculation on social media about a possible connection. However, sports medicine and fitness experts urged caution, warning against jumping to conclusions.

Medical experts’ views

Knee injury physiotherapist Ángel Villanueva explained that how a boot interacts with the pitch depends on several factors, including stud shape, sole stiffness, grass condition, humidity, and the force applied by the player. He noted that changes in boot stiffness or design can slightly affect running mechanics, but stressed this does not mean the boots directly caused the injury.

Football medicine researcher Katrine Okholm Kryger has previously noted that the link between boots and injuries often relates to how studs penetrate the turf and the level of traction, which can increase the risk of ankle or cruciate ligament injuries in some cases.

Medical advice and precautions

Doctors and fitness staff recommend gradually introducing new boots during training before using them in official matches, starting with light drills and progressing to high-speed runs, direction changes, and shooting.

Fitness coach Lucas Habby emphasized that elite players like Mbappé typically undergo rigorous equipment testing when changing gear, minimizing the risk of sudden boot-related issues. He added that match conditions differ from controlled tests due to factors like fatigue, physical contact, pitch quality, and competitive pressure.

Club response and Mbappé’s condition

Performance consultant Alexandre Marles, who has worked with the French national team and top clubs, said it is unlikely the new boots alone caused the injury, noting that players usually receive custom-fitted boots after repeated testing. He pointed out that Mbappé played over 50 minutes and scored before the injury, suggesting it likely resulted from a combination of factors such as shooting technique, foot placement, or muscle fatigue.

The Real Madrid striker has returned to Spain for further tests to determine how long he will be sidelined. According to Spanish newspaper AS, there is concern within the club, especially as Mbappé had previous issues with his left knee during part of last season.