Kylian Mbappe equalled Thierry Henry's scoring record for France as he netted against Ukraine on Friday in a 2026 World Cup qualifying match. The Real Madrid star now has 51 international strikes to his name and is Les Bleus' second-highest goal-scorer of all-time, only behind former Arsenal and Chelsea star Olivier Giroud.
Mbappe equalled Henry's record Five goals behind GiroudFrance beat Ukraine 2-0Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Bayern Munich forward Michael Olise opened the scoring for the two-time world champions, while captain Mbappe netted a second in the 82nd minute to seal a comfortable victory over Ukraine in Poland. With his strike, Mbappe has now equalled Henry's 51-goal tally for France and became the nation's joint second-highest goal-scorer. The Madrid star is just behind Giroud, who netted 56 times for his country.
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After the game, Mbappe reacted to equalling Henry's record as he told , "It’s an honour to go level with a player like Thierry Henry. Everyone knows what he represents for us, Frenchmen, particularly strikers. He opened up a path. He completed gigantic feats. I have a lot of admiration and respect for him."
When asked about breaking Giroud's record, the France skipper added, "It’s not something I think about. I don’t know if it’s because I think I can beat it or because I think there are more important things, but to be France’s all-time record goalscorer, that’d be something."
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At just 26, Mbappe is on his way to becoming his country's all-time highest goal-scorer. He is also Les Bleus' second-highest goal-scorer in World Cup history and is only one goal behind the legendary Just Fontaine.
WHAT NEXT FOR MBAPPE?
The Real Madrid attacker will be back in action for the national team on September 9 as France face Iceland in their second World Cup qualifying game.