France captain Kylian Mbappé etched his name into football history on Tuesday by becoming France’s all-time leading goalscorer during his side’s 3-1 victory over Senegal in their opening FIFA World Cup Group I match.
The 27-year-old forward surpassed the long-standing national record held by Olivier Giroud after scoring twice at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Mbappé entered the match level with Giroud’s tally of 57 international goals but broke the record in the 66th minute when he calmly slotted the ball past the Senegal goalkeeper for his 58th goal in a France shirt. He then added another spectacular strike deep into stoppage time, taking his international tally to 59 goals and sealing an impressive opening victory for the reigning football powerhouse.
The France national football team captain had faced intense scrutiny heading into the tournament but delivered when it mattered most, producing a decisive second-half performance to guide Les Bleus to all three points.
Speaking after the match, Giroud congratulated his former teammate on the historic achievement.
“Congrats, Kylian. You made it. I’m really happy for him,” Giroud said while working as a television pundit for the BBC.
The record-breaking performance adds another milestone to Mbappé’s already remarkable career. The Real Madrid star has established himself as one of the world’s elite players and now stands alone as France’s most prolific goalscorer in international football history.
France’s victory gives them an early advantage in Group I as they continue their quest for another World Cup title. The French side will next face Iraq in Philadelphia before concluding the group stage against Norway on June 26.
With his record now firmly established and the tournament just beginning, Mbappé has once again demonstrated why he remains one of the most influential figures in world football.