Mbappé reveals childhood flute playing and promises unique celebration against Senegal

Kylian Mbappé revealed in an episode of Carpool Karaoke hosted by James Corden, filmed in Madrid and released on the eve of France’s first match at the 2026 World Cup, that he played the flute for one or two years during his childhood.

The Real Madrid forward opened up about this lesser-known aspect of his background when James Corden asked him about his extracurricular activities. “My parents wanted me to do lots of things, to explore, to open my mind to different things. I played the flute for a year or two, it was fun,” he explained. The production had anticipated the revelation: Corden pulled the instrument from the car’s trunk, inviting the France captain to play again. “It’s been years… I’ve lost it all,” Mbappé said, before managing to produce a few sounds nonetheless.

The exchange quickly took a footballing turn. Corden suggested the flute could become a new celebration, and Mbappé was quick to seize the idea. “On the first match against Senegal, if I score, I’ll do it for you,” he promised.

The France-Senegal match, France’s first game in the 2026 World Cup, is scheduled for Tuesday evening with kickoff at 21:00. The Carpool Karaoke episode was also an opportunity for Mbappé to take part in a costume game, parodying player arrivals at Clairefontaine popularized by Jules Koundé.