Kylian Mbappé entered the 2026 FIFA World Cup under a cloud of criticism that would have broken most players. After a challenging start to his career at Real Madrid, and having three different managers unable to build a functioning team around him, the 27-year-old’s legacy was at a crossroads.
But the World Cup has always been Mbappé’s stage, and today at New York New Jersey Stadium, he reminded the world why he is considered arguably the best player of his generation.
Kylian Mbappé Makes World Cup History as NFL Figures Marvel at His Brilliance
Mbappé scored twice in France’s 3-1 victory over Senegal, rewriting the record books and leaving the NFL world in awe.
Mbappé’s first strike in the 66th minute broke the deadlock and carried historic weight, as it was his 13th World Cup goal, tying Lionel Messi and France legend Just Fontaine while surpassing Pelé’s career total of 12. That same goal also tied Olivier Giroud’s record of 57 as France’s all-time leading scorer across all competitions.
Bradley Barcola doubled France’s lead before Senegal’s Ibrahim Mbaye pulled one back with a stunning effort in stoppage time. Mbappé then answered immediately, finishing a counterattack to seal the result at 3-1. His 14th World Cup goal moved him past Lionel Messi outright, past Fontaine, and to 58 international goals, making him France’s all-time leading scorer.
Here’s how the NFL world reacted to his sensational outing against Senegal:
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“Kylian Mbappé finds his form to pass Messi in all-time World Cup goals,” Kay Adams wrote on X. “Magnifique.”
Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III also reacted to Mbappé’s goals against Senegal:
KYLIAN MBAPPÉ IS FRANCE’S ALL-TIME LEADING GOAL SCORER 🤯🇫🇷 #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/CE3Ji2Y4ev
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) June 16, 2026
“WHAT A BEAUTIFUL STRIKE FROM MBAPPÉ!!!” Griffin said about France’s first goal of the match.
“Mbappé is truly that dude,” wrote NFL insider Jonathan Jones on X.
Wow Mbappe 😳
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) June 16, 2026
Former NFL scout and now podcaster John Middlekauff said, “Safe to say Mbappé is good at soccer.”
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“Mbappé, that was rude,” CBS Sports’ JP Acosta said about the French star’s stunning second goal.
Kylian Mbappé:
▫️ France’s all-time leading scorer (58)
▫️ Joint-third all-time leading World Cup goalscorer (14)All by the age of 27 🤯 pic.twitter.com/JIqr5NIjPJ
— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 16, 2026
Mbappé and Spain’s Lamine Yamal have emerged as the sport’s two biggest attractions behind Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, and this World Cup, played on American soil in front of American audiences, is the stage where both can become true household names in the United States.
Mbappé’s combination of speed, finishing, and big-game pedigree resonates with football fans accustomed to seeing elite athletes perform under pressure. Moreover, the way he silenced his critics in just the first match of this year’s World Cup will make many casual fans tune in to see his greatness on the pitch.
If Mbappé continues at this pace, Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup record of 16 goals is just two strikes away. Given what he showed against Senegal, betting against him would be the wrong decision for all of his critics.
