Mbappé 13th – Kylian Mbappé scored his 13th World Cup goal in France’s opener against Senegal, breaking his tie with Pelé and firing the team into a tie for the fourth-most World Cup goals in tournament history.
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The ball was sent into the area again, and for a moment it looked like the same story might repeat itself: Mbappé arriving, committing defenders, and then coming up short.
Not this time. In the 66th minute of France’s World Cup opener against Senegal, Kylian Mbappé converted to make it his 13th World Cup goal, moving him one ahead of Pelé. The strike carried France forward into a tie for the fourth most goals in tournament history.
Before it all clicked, Mbappé had already carved out several good chances. Several of those attempts were denied earlier in the match, including in the second half, by Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy. Mbappé’s final touch finally beat the resistance that had stalled him for long stretches.
It wasn’t just a World Cup milestone. The goal was also Mbappé’s 57th for the national team, equalling Olivier Giroud’s French record. At 27 years old and playing in his third World Cup, Mbappé now matches Lionel Messi and France’s Just Fontaine in the way his World Cup tally sits among the greats.
He is also close to catching the legends ahead of him. Mbappé is a goal away from tying Germany’s Gerd Müller and two behind Brazil’s Ronaldo. Miroslav Klose still holds the record with 16 World Cup goals.
France arrived with momentum and expectation. Mbappé helped the team win the World Cup in 2018 and reach the final in 2022. when he was awarded the Silver Ball as the second-best player. Up front this time. he was joined by Désiré Doué. Michael Olise and reigning Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé. with France going in as a co-favourite alongside Spain.
The goal itself carried the rhythm of how the match was unfolding. Mbappé had little trouble finding room between Senegal defenders in the first 14 minutes, repeatedly getting into positions that looked dangerous. After that early burst. he was sloppy with the ball for much of the rest of the first half. before France and its attackers gradually started to mesh.
By the time the 66th minute arrived, that connection was finally paying off. The finish came after Mbappé had already spent the match testing Mendy, and after France spent long minutes trying to turn early chances into something decisive.
Off the pitch and into his current form, Mbappé also enters the tournament with a sharp recent edge. He scored 25 goals this past season with Real Madrid.
Kylian Mbappé France Senegal World Cup Édouard Mendy Pelé Lionel Messi Just Fontaine Olivier Giroud Gerd Müller Ronaldo Miroslav Klose 2018 World Cup 2022 Silver Ball
Mbappe really out here bullying Senegal, wild.
I swear I read somewhere Pelé had more than 13? Like how is this still news lol. Also 66th minute sounds late but anyway congrats.
So he broke the Pelé tie but then they said he’s only goal away from Germany’s Müller? confusing. Like if he’s already ahead, why are we counting goals like it’s a season points thing. And the goalie Mendy stopped him a bunch so idk it was just one lucky bounce.
France goes in as co-favourite and of course it’s Mbappé. Meanwhile everybody forgets teams like the US exist (not that we’re anywhere near World Cup history). Also says he scored 25 with Real Madrid… so is he scoring for club and country like every month? lol.