Kylian Mbappé has matched Thierry Henry’s international scoring tally after netting his 51st goal for France in a 2–0 World Cup qualifying win over Ukraine.
The 26-year-old Real Madrid forward produced a trademark solo strike in the 82nd minute, weaving through defenders before firing home to double Les Bleus’ advantage at the Parc des Princes. The effort brought him level with Arsenal legend Henry, who retired with 51 goals from 123 caps.
Mbappé now sits just six goals behind Olivier Giroud’s all-time France record of 57, a mark he could realistically surpass before the 2026 World Cup finals. “Big up to Titi [Henry], but now I want to surpass him,” Mbappé told reporters post-match.
France had earlier taken the lead through Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise, who scored inside 10 minutes. Didier Deschamps’ men controlled the game, with Ousmane Dembélé also lively before being forced off late with injury.
For Mbappé, the milestone adds another layer to an already glittering international career, having won the 2018 World Cup, scored a hat-trick in the 2022 final, and carried France to the Euro 2024 semi-finals. The forward’s pursuit of Giroud’s record now dominates the narrative as Les Bleus continue their qualifying campaign.
This is IDNN. Independent. Digital. Uncompromising.
