Olivier Giroud has congratulated Kylian Mbappe after the France captain became Les Bleus’ all-time leading scorer during Tuesday’s 3-1 victory over Senegal in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mbappe struck twice in the second half to inspire Didier Deschamps’ side to all three points in Group I. The brace took the 27-year-old to 58 international goals, moving him past Giroud’s previous record of 57 goals for France.
The new French record holder arrived at the World Cup in fine form and immediately made his mark. Mbappe’s goals against Senegal also took his tally to 14 in World Cup matches, underlining his status as one of the tournament’s most decisive players.
Giroud, who was working as a BBC pundit during the game, had nothing but praise for his successor.
”Congrats Kylian you made it,” Giroud said at full-time.
”I’m really happy for him. He had a good second half, better connection with [Michael] Olise. He showed the team the way.”
The former France striker’s comments highlighted the respect between two of the nation’s greatest forwards, with Giroud graciously applauding the player who has now surpassed his long-standing mark.
France were made to work hard for victory after Senegal created several first-half chances. However, Mbappe eventually broke the deadlock before substitute Bradley Barcola doubled the lead with a composed finish.
Paris Saint-Germain teenager Ibrahim Mbaye then gave Senegal hope by scoring in stoppage time, but Mbappe responded almost immediately with a thunderous strike to restore France’s two-goal advantage.
The result sends France to the top of Group I and gives Deschamps’ men a perfect start to their quest for another World Cup title, while Mbappe’s historic night added another chapter to his remarkable international career.
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