NEW JERSEY: Kylian Mbappe continued his extraordinary World Cup journey on Tuesday, scoring twice in France’s 3-1 victory over Senegal to become his country’s all-time leading scorer and move closer to the tournament’s all-time scoring record.
The France national football team captain opened the scoring in the 66th minute at MetLife Stadium, finishing off a superb pass from Michael Olise. Goals from Bradley Barcola and a late second from Mbappe sealed the win after Senegal’s Ibrahim Mbaye had briefly reduced the deficit.
The brace saw Mbappe surpass former France striker Olivier Giroud to become France’s all-time leading goalscorer with 58 goals in 99 international appearances.
“I am really pleased and very happy to make a little more history for my country,” Mbappe said after the match.
The victory provided an ideal start to France’s World Cup campaign as Didier Deschamps’ side seeks a third world title. France won the World Cup in 2018 and finished runners-up in 2022 after losing a dramatic final to Argentina on penalties despite Mbappe’s hat-trick.
The Real Madrid forward’s latest goals also strengthened his place among the greatest scorers in World Cup history. Mbappe now has 14 goals in just 15 World Cup appearances, moving past Brazilian legend Pele and French icon Just Fontaine.
His tally now equals that of German great Gerd Muller. Only Ronaldo Nazario with 15 goals and joint record holders Lionel Messi and Miroslav Klose with 16 goals remain ahead of him on the all-time World Cup scoring list.
France coach Didier Deschamps praised his captain’s impact, describing him as “extraordinary” after another match-winning performance.
Mbappe’s partnership with Olise also caught the eye, with the Bayern Munich winger delivering an impressive display in his World Cup debut. Operating in a central attacking role behind Mbappe, Olise created the opening goal and repeatedly troubled Senegal’s defence.
“It is so easy to play with Michael,” Mbappe said. “He always has his head up and wants to serve his teammates. I knew he would find me every time I made a run.”
With group-stage matches against Iraq and Norway still to come, Mbappe has an opportunity to equal or even surpass the World Cup scoring record before the knockout rounds begin.
As France targets another deep run in the tournament, their captain appears determined to keep rewriting both national and World Cup history.
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