Kylian Mbappé and Thierry Henry are now France’s joint second-highest goalscorers after he found the net in Les Bleus’ 2-0 victory over Ukraine in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Friday.
The 26-year-old attacker scored in the 82nd minute, bringing his total to 51 goals for the national team, matching Arsenal icon Henry. Mbappé trails just Olivier Giroud, France’s all-time leading scorer with 57 goals.
The result strengthened France’s lead in Group C, while Ukraine struggled to produce good chances. Michael Olise scored the other goal after opening the scoring in the tenth minute.
Mbappé, who made his international debut in 2017, has progressively emerged as the face of French football.
He made his mark on the world stage during the 2018 World Cup in Russia, scoring four goals, including one in the final against Croatia, as France won their second title.
Four years later, at Qatar 2022, the Paris-born striker cemented his place as one of the game’s biggest players by scoring eight goals, including a spectacular hat trick against Argentina in the final.
With Henry’s record now equaled, Mbappé will have the opportunity to move into sole possession of second place on France’s all-time scoring list when Didier Deschamps’ side faces Georgia in their next qualifier on Tuesday.
