Kylian Mbappe becomes World Cup’s all-time leading scorer at 27

Kylian Mbappe has become the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history, an achievement the France captain says he never expected to reach at such a young age.

The 27-year-old Real Madrid forward has scored 22 goals in 22 World Cup appearances, placing him among the most prolific players in the history of the competition. His latest milestone marks the latest stage of a record-breaking international career that began at the 2018 tournament.

Mbappe first attracted worldwide attention in the final against Croatia, when he scored aged 19. That made him the first teenager since Brazil legend Pele to score in a World Cup final at the same age.

Since then, Mbappe has continued to move past some of the tournament’s most celebrated goalscorers. He has now reached the top of the list after overtaking Argentina forward Lionel Messi.

Speaking to The Athletic, Mbappe said he had always wanted to break records and leave a lasting impression, but had not imagined setting the World Cup scoring record at 27.

“I always wanted to break records and make people remember my name, but honestly, I did not expect to become the all-time leading scorer at the World Cup when I was 27,” he said.

Mbappe also described the importance of the tournament, saying he initially dreamed simply of taking part rather than winning it.

“The World Cup is a competition for the biggest stars and the greatest players in football history,” he added. “I dreamed of playing in this tournament. I did not even dream of winning it; I just dreamed of participating in it.”

His first World Cup appearance came as a teenager in 2018, when France won the competition. He also played at the 2022 tournament, where France reached the final.

The forward said the identity of the player he surpassed made the achievement even more significant.

“So it is completely crazy that I am the one who holds this record,” Mbappe said. “Especially when you know that the player before me was Lionel Messi… yes, it is historic.”