Mbappe Equals Henry’s Goal Record at Just 26
France skipper Kylian Mbappe has called it “crazy” to find himself level with Thierry Henry in the national team’s scoring charts at only 26 years old.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward struck a brilliant solo goal in the 82nd minute of France’s 2-0 World Cup qualifier win over Ukraine on Friday, bringing his tally to 51 international goals—the same total Henry achieved during his legendary career.
“Big up to Titi,” Mbappe said afterward. “It’s an honour to match a player of his stature. Everyone knows what he means to us, especially strikers. He paved the way, and I have huge respect and admiration for him. But now, I want to go past him.”
Henry, a 1998 World Cup winner, retired with 123 caps. Mbappe, on the other hand, has made just 90 appearances, giving him plenty of time to climb higher. Still ahead of him is Olivier Giroud, who leads France’s all-time scoring list with 57 goals from 137 games. Giroud bowed out of international duty after Euro 2024, leaving Mbappe with a clear shot at the record.
“The record is close, but it’s not something I obsess over,” Mbappe explained. “Maybe it’s because I believe I’ll get there, or because there are bigger things—winning games and titles. But hitting this milestone so early is unbelievable. I want to keep pushing.”
Friday’s match also saw Michael Olise open the scoring inside ten minutes, handing Didier Deschamps’ men a flying start in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
The evening wasn’t without setbacks, though. Ousmane Dembele, who came on at half-time, hobbled off in the 81st minute, making way for Hugo Ekitike, who marked the night with his senior France debut.
With a World Cup win in 2018 and a hat-trick in the 2022 final already under his belt, Mbappe looks destined to take Giroud’s crown in the months ahead—further securing his place as the face of French football’s new era.
