Despite losing to Argentina in the World Cup final on Sunday, France, the 2022 runners-up, was greeted with a raucous welcome home.
There were fears that the players would be abused because Aurelien Tchouameni and Kingsley Coman failed to convert their penalty kicks in the penalty shootout. While some players allegedly faced racist backlash on social media, the situation was different when they arrived in Paris.
From atop a building, the players waved back and were greeted by thunderous applause from their large following.
Argentina appeared to have eliminated France from the championship match after 36 minutes of play at the Khalifa International Stadium.
Mbappe scored twice in two minutes in the final ten minutes to send the game into extra time. Prior to Mbappe’s equalizer two minutes into extra time, Messi made it 3-2 for La Albiceleste, forcing the penalty shootout.
Argentina eventually won 4-2 on penalties to win their first global title in 36 years. The French public appears to have been won over by Les Bleus’ valiant effort, as they lavished the team with applause.