Why France head coach Didier Deschamps was 'really struck' by record-breaking Kylian Mbappe gesture at 2026 World Cup - 'A shining example'

React to this story

It was a historic night for Kylian Mbappe as he scored twice against Sweden to break the record for most goals in World Cup knockout matches and close on Lionel Messi’s all-time total.

'He might have added to his legend' - Scaloni reveals how Messi reacted to starting on the bench

Video credit: SNTV

For the third game at the 2026 World Cup, Real Madrid star Mbappe bagged a double, scoring late in the first half after a clever corner routine and then adding France’s third in the 74th minute.

Bradley Barcola also got on the scoresheet as France won 3-0 to set up a last-16 tie with Paraguay.

Mbappe’s first goal was his ninth in the knockout stages of the World Cup, putting him ahead of Brazil greats Leonidas and Ronaldo (both eight) in the all-time standings.

World Cup

Figo blasts 'deceitful' Infantino and calls for FIFA president to resign

2 hours ago

Mbappe has reached the total in just 18 appearances across three World Cups.

He is also now on 18 World Cup goals in total, putting him one behind Messi, who has moved to 19 after scoring six times at the 2026 World Cup.

The all-time record was previously held by Germany’s Miroslav Klose, who scored 16 World Cup goals, but both Messi and Mbappe have moved ahead over the last fortnight.

Mbappe is now the outright record holder for most goals scored by a European player at World Cups, ahead of Klose, Gerd Muller (14), and Just Fontaine (13).

Mbappe celebrated his first goal by embracing France head coach Didier Deschamps, who was back on the sideline after missing the final group game against Norway to fly back home for his mother's funeral.

Mbappe was soon joined by the rest of the squad in hugging Deschamps.

"I think that reflects the spirit of this group - it's part of our DNA. We are all together," Mbappe told beIN Sports.

All-time top scorers in World Cup knockout games

Player	Appearances	Goals
Kylian Mbappe (France)	9	10
Leonidas (Brazil)	5	8
Ronaldo (Brazil)	10	8
Oldrich Nejedly (Czechia)	6	7
Pele (Brazil)	6	7
Just Fontaine (France)	3	7
Vava (Brazil)	5	7

"We know the coach has been through a difficult experience; unfortunately, everyone goes through that at some point and it's very hard.

"There are things that are more important than football, but he needs to know - and he already does - that through this gesture from the entire team, he can see he will never be alone with us, and whatever happens, we'll be there to support him."

Deschamps said he was "really struck" by Mbappe's gesture and called him a "shining example".

"He’s our captain. He’s been exemplary since Day 1. The group was united, and they did what they had to do when I was away.

"Now that I’m back, they know I’m here 100 per cent. The team spirit of this group doesn’t make you win matches, but if it goes the other way around, you can lose matches. The collective strength is above everything, but Kylian, as a captain, is a shining example.”

Michael Olise also impressed with another assist, taking his tally to the tournament to five.

That is the highest total at a World Cup since Thomas Hassler in 1994, with only four other players reaching five assists since 1966.

The four are Pele in 1970 (six), Robert Gadocha in 1974 (five), Pierre Littbarksi in 1982 (five), and Diego Maradona in 1986 (five).

- - -

Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this.

Stream the Premier League, Men’s and Women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more on TNT Sports and HBO Max.

World Cup