By Chika Eze
Editor-in-Chief & Senior Sports Editor
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MIAMI — French superstar Kylian Mbappé has become the FIFA World Cup's all-time leading goalscorer after scoring twice in France's third-place playoff against England, surpassing Lionel Messi's previous record.
The historic milestone came despite France's defeat, with Mbappé reaching 22 career World Cup goals across three tournaments. His achievement cements his place among football's greatest players and highlights his remarkable consistency on the world's biggest stage.
Key Development: Kylian Mbappé has become the FIFA World Cup's all-time top scorer with 22 career goals, breaking Lionel Messi's previous record.
Historic Achievement
Mbappé's record has been built across three World Cup tournaments, where he consistently delivered goals in crucial matches while helping France remain one of international football's strongest teams.
At just 27 years old, the Real Madrid forward still has several years ahead at the highest level, making his record one that could continue to grow.
- Kylian Mbappé
- France
- FIFA World Cup
- Football Records
Golden Boot Race
Mbappé also finished the 2026 World Cup as the tournament's leading scorer with 10 goals, strengthening his reputation as one of the most dangerous forwards in world football.
Despite setting the record, Mbappé said he would have preferred playing in the World Cup final rather than collecting an individual milestone.
"The team always comes first," Mbappé said after reaching the historic milestone.
Legacy in World Football
Breaking the World Cup scoring record places Mbappé alongside football's greatest legends and adds another remarkable achievement to an already outstanding international career.
Analysts believe his pace, finishing ability, and consistency have redefined modern World Cup goal-scoring excellence.
- World Cup
- Sports
- France National Team
- Football History
Conclusion
Kylian Mbappé's rise to become the FIFA World Cup's all-time leading scorer marks another historic moment in international football. Although France fell short of reaching the final, his record-breaking achievement will remain one of the defining stories of the 2026 tournament.
