Career Nemesis? Mbappé Has Lost to Yamal 9 Times! 6 Single-Elimination Matches, All Defeats, and Golden Ball Dreams Shattered

In the first World Cup semifinal played on July 15, Beijing time, the tournament favorites France were defeated 0-2 by Spain, failing to advance to the final for the third straight edition. The 27-year-old French star Mbappé had a lackluster showing, managing just two shots on target.

In the previous six games, Mbappé had recorded 8 goals and 3 assists, appearing almost unstoppable. Yet against Spain, the team with the best defensive record this tournament, he was completely neutralized.

In the first half, Mbappé had zero shots, a humiliating statistic. It wasn't until the 66th minute, with France trailing 0-2, that he took his first shot of the match—a long-range attempt from outside the box.

In the 86th minute, a frustrated Mbappé stepped on Spanish goalkeeper Simon even though he had no chance to win the ball, earning a yellow card. Ultimately, completely contained, he ended the match with only two shots and watched helplessly as France were eliminated.

After failing to score in this match, Mbappé has still not found the net in three World Cup semifinals, as if under a "curse." Moreover, he once again lost his personal duel with Yamal.

In their 11 head-to-head encounters, Mbappé has lost 9 times and won only twice. In the six single-elimination matches, Mbappé has never beaten Yamal. Yamal has truly become Mbappé's new "nemesis" in his career.

With France missing the World Cup final and having a "trophy-less" season at Real Madrid, despite Mbappé's outstanding individual statistics—winning the European Golden Shoe and being highly likely to claim the World Cup Golden Boot—without any championship, he has essentially dropped out of the race for this year's Ballon d'Or.