Kylian Mbappe fears rewatching 2022 World Cup final ‘might awaken demons’

France captain Kylian Mbappe has revealed he has never revisited the 2022 FIFA World Cup final against Argentina, admitting the memory remains too painful to relive.

The Real Madrid forward reflected on the emotional weight of a night that saw him score a stunning hat-trick, only for France to fall 4-2 on penalties after a 3-3 draw in one of the most dramatic finals in tournament history.

A night of historic drama

Mbappe described the encounter as possibly the greatest final ever played, highlighting its intensity and unpredictability in an interview with Sorare.

“The greatest final of all time? I think nothing matches it in terms of entertainment, the clash, the match scenario, with so many twists and turns. It ended with penalties, the most brutal way for anyone,” Mbappe revealed in an interview with Sorare.

No desire to revisit Qatar heartbreak

He also admitted that the 2022 defeat against a Lionel Messi inspired Argentina side remains something he has deliberately avoided watching back.

He said: “It was either Lionel Messi’s first World Cup win or a back-to-back for France, so it was historic no matter what. (…) Have I watched the match again since? Never! I think if I do, it might awaken some demons.”

Focus turns toward 2026

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, the France skipper’s reflections underline the emotional scars still attached to Qatar 2022, even as he prepares for another global campaign.

The interview comes just a week before the 2026 tournament, where Mbappe will again be expected to lead France’s charge for international glory.

The France captain’s comments add fresh perspective to one of football’s most iconic matches, a final still debated for its drama and individual brilliance from both Mbappe and Lionel Messi, now etched into World Cup history as a defining moment of a generation.