Gianni Infantino sends belated World Cup message to Kylian Mbappe

Gianni Infantino has sent a surprise message of congratulations to Kylian Mbappe more than two weeks after the 2026 World Cup ended, praising the France captain for winning the Golden Boot and setting new scoring records.

Mbappe scored 10 goals at the tournament in North America to claim the award for a second successive World Cup. The Real Madrid forward also became the leading scorer in World Cup history, taking his total to 22 goals.

Infantino, president of world football’s governing body FIFA, posted the tribute on his official Instagram account on Tuesday, despite facing strong criticism in recent days over a proposal to sell some FIFA shares to private-sector investors.

“The amazing French star Kylian Mbappe achieved a remarkable feat at the World Cup, winning the ‘Golden Boot’ for the second consecutive time thanks to scoring 10 goals during the tournament held in North America,” Infantino wrote.

He added: “He also set several records, most notably topping the all-time scoring charts for the tournament and for the French national team as well.”

France finished fourth at the 2026 World Cup, missing out on a place in the final after their campaign ended without a medal. Mbappe’s individual performance nevertheless secured him the tournament’s leading goalscorer award for the second World Cup in a row.

The competition concluded on 19 July, when Spain won the title by beating Argentina 1-0 in the final. Infantino’s public message to Mbappe came more than two weeks after that match.

Mbappe’s 22 World Cup goals now place him at the top of the competition’s historical scoring list. His latest total also underlined his importance to France, for whom he has become the leading goalscorer while serving as captain.

Infantino’s comments came at a difficult time for the FIFA president, who has been criticised by several parties over the idea of allowing private investors to purchase some shares in the organisation. The proposal has prompted sharp scrutiny in recent days, although Infantino used his latest public appearance to focus on Mbappe’s achievements rather than the criticism surrounding FIFA.

The delayed timing of the message made it an unexpected tribute to the France forward. Mbappe’s second consecutive Golden Boot, his 10-goal tournament and his record 22 World Cup goals were the achievements highlighted by Infantino following the conclusion of the competition.