Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe has been in scintillating goal-scoring form since the start of this season for club and country.
The French captain netted an 82nd strike in a 2-0 win over Ukraine in a World Cup qualifier fixture last Friday.
Mbappe has been in excellent form for Real Madrid having scored three goals in as many games to begin the 2025/26 season.
With his goal against Ukraine, Mbappe has now racked up 51 goals for Les Blues in 91 appearances, equaling legendary footballer Thierry Henry's record for France.
The 26-year-old is only six goals shy from Oliver Giroud's all-time goals record for France of 57 goals.
Mbappe is on track to surpass the former Arsenal and Chelsea man after Giroud's retirement from international football after France's semifinal defeat against Spain in the Euros last year.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
What did Kylian Mbappe say about matching Henry's goal tally?
Mbappe has been a talisman for France since making his debut for France in 2017. He has been constantly netting goals for Les Blues.
He came up with a stunning hattrick in the 2022 World Cup final against Argentina despite ending up on the losing side.
But it highlighted his hunger for scoring goals on the big stage especially when the stakes are at the highest.
With Mbappe donning the captain's armband, Les Blues will be looking to reclaim the World Cup title that they won in 2018 and reached the finals in 2022.
Despite getting close to the record, Mbappe is more focused on winning titles whilst sharing his emotions about matching Henry's goals record.
"Big up to Titi (Henry)! But now I want to surpass him! It's an honour to equal a player like Henry," Mbappe told TF1 after the win against Ukraine.
"Everyone knows what he means to us French people, even more so to strikers. He's someone who paved the way, and I have a lot of respect and admiration for him.
"Reaching this milestone so early is crazy, but I like it. I want to keep going and, above all, win games and titles.
"The record is getting closer, but it's not something I think about," the France captain said. "I don't know if it's because I think I can beat it, or because I think there are more important things.
"But it's true that being the top scorer in the history of the French national team is no small feat."
Real Madrid news and related links
- Real Madrid secure contract extensions for two important stars
- Kylian Mbappe calls for 'rest' amid players' complaints about demanding match schedule
- Real Madrid veteran praises Barcelona Ballon d'Or candidate