PARIS: France superstar Kylian Mbappé continued his remarkable rise among football’s all-time greats by breaking multiple FIFA World Cup records during France’s quarter-final victory over Morocco, surpassing even Lionel Messi in one of the tournament’s most iconic milestones.
The 27-year-old forward found the net in the 60th minute, scoring the goal that took his World Cup tally to 20 goals. In doing so, Mbappé became the fastest player in World Cup history to reach 20 goals, achieving the feat in just 20 matches.
The previous benchmark belonged to Argentina legend Lionel Messi, who reached the 20-goal mark after 30 World Cup appearances. Mbappé’s latest achievement further strengthens his reputation as one of the greatest performers ever seen on football’s biggest stage.
His World Cup goals have come across three editions of the tournament—2018, 2022 and 2026. He scored four goals in Russia, eight in Qatar and has already added eight more in the ongoing competition.
Mbappé also became the youngest player ever to score 20 World Cup goals, reaching the milestone at 27 years and 201 days of age, adding another historic record to his growing collection.
The French captain has also established himself as the most prolific scorer in FIFA World Cup knockout matches, with 12 goals in the tournament’s elimination rounds, underlining his reputation as a player who delivers on the biggest occasions.
Beyond his World Cup heroics, Mbappé reached another remarkable milestone for France. He became the first French footballer to be directly involved in 100 international goals, with 64 goals and 36 assists for the national team.
His influence at the ongoing World Cup has been extraordinary. With eight goals and three assists, Mbappé has contributed to 11 goals, making him the first player since 1966 to record 10 or more goal contributions in two separate World Cup editions.
His overall 14 goal contributions in World Cup knockout matches have also drawn him level with Lionel Messi, marking the joint-highest total recorded over the past six decades.
As France continues its quest for another world title, Mbappé’s sensational form is rewriting football history almost every time he steps onto the pitch. With several matches still to play, the French superstar now has an opportunity to extend his records even further and cement his place among the greatest players the sport has ever produced.
