Mbappé Equals Henry’s French Record, Eyes All-Time Mark

Kylian Mbappé continues to redefine excellence on the pitch, matching legendary striker Thierry Henry’s goal tally for the French national team. The Real Madrid sensation scored his 51st international goal in France’s dominant 2-0 victory over Ukraine in a World Cup qualifier on Friday evening, a feat achieved in significantly fewer appearances than his illustrious predecessor.

Mbappé’s Blistering Start to the Season

Mbappé’s sensational form for both club and country has been a highlight of the nascent season. After a challenging Club World Cup recovery from gastroenteritis, the 26-year-old forward used his limited off-season to return in peak physical condition. His dedication has paid dividends, as he’s been “practically unplayable” in the opening weeks.

For Real Madrid, Mbappé has already netted three goals in as many appearances, with two more controversially chalked off by VAR against Mallorca. Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso lauded his star’s ambition last month, stating, “You can see that Kylian wants to do even more after this first year where he did great things. He wants to improve individual and collective performance and inspire his teammates. You can see his desire every day.”

Match-Winning Moment Against Ukraine

That “feverish hunger” was on full display in Wrocław. After Michael Olise gave France a first-half lead, Mbappé sealed the victory with a trademark moment of brilliance. Chasing down a raking 70-yard pass from Real Madrid teammate Aurélien Tchouameni, Mbappé skillfully outmaneuvered Ukraine’s Illia Zabarnyi with a dazzling twist before slotting the ball precisely into the bottom corner.

This crucial goal not only secured three points in the World Cup qualifier but also marked a significant personal milestone. His 51st goal for France draws him level with his childhood idol, Thierry Henry, who amassed the same tally in 123 caps. Mbappé, remarkably, achieved this in just 89 appearances, showcasing his incredible efficiency and prolificacy.

Chasing the All-Time Record

With 51 goals, Mbappé now sits joint-second on France’s all-time men’s national team scoring list. Only Olivier Giroud, with 57 goals, stands ahead of him. Given Mbappé’s current form and age, it seems almost inevitable that he will surpass Giroud’s record, potentially even before the year’s end.

The Spanish press has dubbed Mbappé’s relentless pursuit of goals as “killer mode,” a phrase reminiscent of Cristiano Ronaldo’s unyielding drive during his time in Madrid. Despite his landmark achievement against Ukraine, Mbappé’s self-critical nature shone through. “We could have scored more,” he shrugged. “I, myself, missed a few, so there is room for improvement.”

This relentless desire for improvement, even after reaching such monumental milestones, is a testament to Mbappé’s elite mentality and his ambition to become one of the greatest players of all time. His journey continues to captivate, and the football world eagerly awaits his next record-breaking performance.

For more insights into Kylian Mbappé’s incredible career, explore detailed statistics and news on Sports Illustrated FC.