France’s head coach Didier Deschamps congratulates his forward #10 Kylian Mbappe after scoring his team’s first goal during the 2026 World Cup Group I football match between France and Senegal at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on June 16, 2026. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)
France captain Kylian Mbappe became his country’s all-time leading scorer after netting twice in a 3-1 victory over Senegal in their opening Group I match at the World Cup on Tuesday, surpassing the record previously held by Olivier Giroud.
The Real Madrid forward scored his first goal in the 66th minute at New York New Jersey Stadium before sealing the win with a stunning strike deep into stoppage time, taking his tally for Les Bleus to 58 goals and moving past Giroud’s mark of 57.
Mbappe, 27, entered the tournament under intense scrutiny but delivered when it mattered most, helping France secure a winning start to their campaign.
Former France striker Giroud, who now works as a pundit for the BBC, was quick to congratulate his successor.
“Congrats, Kylian. You made it. I’m really happy for him,” said Giroud.
Giroud also revealed that Mbappe had promised to give him his shirt from the match.
France will continue their Group I campaign against Iraq in Philadelphia on Monday before concluding the group stage against Norway on June 26.
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