Record-Breaking Mbappe Reacts After Matching Henry, Targets Giroud Next

Kylian Mbappe struck a sensational solo goal in the 82nd minute to seal France’s 2-0 victory over Ukraine in Friday’s World Cup qualifier, a strike that lifted his tally for Les Bleus to 51 — equaling Thierry Henry’s legendary record.

Respect to Titi [Henry], but my aim now is to go past him,” Mbappe said post-match. “It’s a huge honour to be level with a player of Henry’s stature. Everyone knows what he represents for French football, especially us strikers. He opened the door for many of us, and I’ll always have deep admiration for him.”

Henry, who won the 1998 World Cup, bowed out with 123 caps. Mbappe has achieved the same goalscoring mark in just 90 appearances. Still, both trail Olivier Giroud, France’s all-time top scorer, with 57 goals in 137 games. Giroud retired after Euro 2024, leaving Mbappe eyeing his record as the next milestone.

“The record is close, but I don’t obsess over it,” Mbappe admitted. “Maybe it’s because I feel confident I’ll get there, or maybe because I focus more on winning games and trophies. To reach this point so early is incredible, and I want to keep pushing.”

Earlier in the game, Bayern Munich star Michael Olise had given Didier Deschamps’ men the lead in the 10th minute, setting the tone for their Group D campaign on the road to the 2026 World Cup in the US, Mexico, and Canada.

The night wasn’t without setbacks, as PSG winger Ousmane Dembele limped off in the 81st minute, paving the way for Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike to make his senior France debut.

Already a 2018 World Cup winner and hat-trick hero in the epic 2022 final against Argentina, Mbappe is now within striking distance of Giroud’s crown — a pursuit that could soon seal his status as France’s undisputed talisman.