Mbappe breaks France scoring record and explains flute celebration in 3-1 win over Senegal

Kylian Mbappe surpassed Olivier Giroud as France’s all-time leading scorer on Tuesday night, netting twice in a 3-1 World Cup 2026 Group I win over Senegal at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey to take his international tally to 58 goals.

Mbappe had been largely peripheral in a quiet opening hour before bursting into life in the 66th minute, racing onto Michael Olise’s through ball and finishing low past Edouard Mendy to level Giroud’s record. He then sealed the victory with a long-range strike deep in stoppage time, his second of the night and his 58th for Les Bleus — moving him clear of Giroud at the top of France’s all-time scoring charts.

The opener was accompanied by a celebration that had been weeks in the making. After scoring, Mbappe ran to the byline and mimed playing a flute before being mobbed by his team-mates. The gesture traced back to his appearance on James Corden’s After Hours chat show earlier this month, where the 27-year-old revealed he had played the flute as a child. Corden produced an instrument on set, Mbappe played a few notes, and when the host suggested it could become a new celebration, the France captain replied: “I will do it for you, first game” — a promise he duly kept.

The path to that moment had not been straightforward. Mbappe endured a frustrating first half and was denied what appeared a strong penalty shout when Sadio Mane brought him down, a decision that visibly angered the Real Madrid forward. His breakthrough goal changed the complexion of the match entirely.

Substitute Bradley Barcola doubled France’s advantage with eight minutes remaining, only for Ibrahim Mbaye to pull one back for Senegal deep in stoppage time. Mbappe’s second goal moments later closed out the win and underlined France’s status as one of the tournament favourites.

Les Bleus return to action next Monday when they face Iraq in Philadelphia.