Kylian Mbappe breaks France goalscoring record in World Cup win over Senegal - 'I've always placed that above everything else'

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Kylian Mbappe insists that making history for France is his priority, after he broke the national team's all-time goalscoring record.

'I've always placed that above everything else' - Mbappe makes history

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France kicked off their 2026 World Cup campaign in a tricky fixture against Senegal in New Jersey, with Mbappe the star in a 3-1 victory.

There was yet more VAR controversy early in the second half as Mbappe was seemingly taken down in the box by a lunging Sadio Mane, but no penalty was given.

He responded in style just four minutes later. A lovely through ball from Michael Olise was finished off first-time by Mbappe, as he drew level with record-holder Olivier Giroud on 57 France goals.

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Bradley Barcola added a second with eight minutes of regular time to play, before Senegal bit back through a super Ibrahim Mbaye strike.

But Mbappe would have the final say with an even better finish. The Real Madrid superstar unleashed from outside the area, the ball zooming past Edouard Mendy.

That ensured the 27-year-old became the standalone top scorer for Les Bleus, needing just 99 games to rack up his 58 goals.

It places him at a rate of 0.59 goals per France game - outpacing Giroud (0.42) and the other man to net a half-century for the side, Thierry Henry (0.41).

Reflecting on his brace - which took him to 14 career World Cup goals, just two off record-holder Miroslav Klose - Mbappe told reporters: "I'm really happy to be able to make a bit of history with my country.

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"It's something I've always really wanted to do, and I've always placed that above everything else.

"Now, we know why we're here. I think I'll have time to think about that kind of thing when I stop playing. Right now, I know why I'm here. I'm here to help the team, to continue with my team-mates.

"We're going to keep trying to write a really big chapter in the history of the France team. And I know the path will be very long, but as I said, we're ready."

The World Cup comes as welcome respite from the ongoing drama at Real Madrid around Mbappe, with many fans angered by a recent holiday taken while injured, while the local press have also largely turned on him.

The former Paris Saint-Germain forward has been heavily criticised for a perceived lack of defensive effort, too - despite producing a phenomenal return of 86 goals across his first two seasons in Madrid.

His national team boss, Didier Deschamps, said of the game-changer: "There are still people out there who will criticise him, but he is an extraordinary player. Not everything came off for him, but he can win games in one moment.

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"As captain, he does a lot for the squad on and off the field, even if some people think he is selfish.

"I am really pleased for him. He didn't score in the warm-up friendly games, but to break the record at the World Cup gives it more impact."

Barcola added: "We're really proud to have him with us and I'm really proud of him.

"It's really incredible what he does. Every training session, every match, he always manages to surprise us, so it's just brilliant."

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