Mbappé Names 2022 Bafana Strike Among Top 3 Favorites After Breaking France Goal Record
France superstar Kylian Mbappé has sensationally named his curling 2022 strike against Bafana Bafana as one of the top three goals of his historic international career.
The stunning revelation came after the French captain rewrote the history books on Tuesday night. Mbappé netted a brilliant brace to lead France to a 3-1 victory over Senegal in their FIFA World Cup clash at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The two goals took his international tally to 58, officially crowning him as France’s all-time leading goalscorer. The 27-year-old forward surpassed legendary striker Olivier Giroud, who previously held the record with 57 goals in 137 appearances. Making his 99th appearance for Les Bleus, Mbappé’s masterclass also secured France their 10th victory in their last 12 international outings.
Record-Breaking Night in New Jersey
Both of Mbappé’s goals against Senegal showcased world-class artistry. For his first, he latched onto a precise pass from Michael Olise, effortlessly swiveling his body before firing past goalkeeper Édouard Mendy.
His second—and his 14th career World Cup goal—was an absolute thunderbolt. Striking the ball from 30 yards out, the ever-reliable forward sealed a dominant second-half performance that firmly re-established France as tournament frontrunners. The strike moves him within just two goals of Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup record of 16.
Following the final whistle, team officials honored the talismanic forward with a commemorative number 58 jersey. It was during this celebration that Mbappé reflected on his journey and gave a massive nod to South African football history.
The Night He Stunned Ronwen Williams
When asked to list his top three international goals, Mbappé raised eyebrows by highlighting his spectacular effort against Bafana Bafana at the Arena-Stade Pierre-Mauroy in 2022. France won that friendly 5-0, but Mbappé’s opening goal was a masterpiece.
Antoine Griezmann broke away on the right flank, sending over a cross that initially appeared overcooked. Mbappé dynamically collected the ball on the edge of the box and unleashed a vicious, curling effort past a sprawling Ronwen Williams, rattling the underside of the crossbar on its way in.
“It was Grizou’s [Griezmann’s] cross,” Mbappé recalled. “On the edge of the box, I was standing still, but I managed to generate power and put some curl on it. That remains my absolute favorite goal I have scored for France.”
The Ultimate Top Three
The French skipper revealed that his other two favorite goals came on completely different stages.
One was his spectacular long-range rocket against Gibraltar in November 2023 during France’s record-shattering 14-0 European Championship qualifying win.
The other was his iconic second goal against Argentina during the unforgettable 2022 World Cup final in Qatar. With France trailing 2-0 against Lionel Messi’s men in the second half, Mbappé lit up Lusail Stadium. He eventually became the first player to net a World Cup final hat-trick since England’s Geoff Hurst in 1966.
His second goal that afternoon—a breathtaking, first-time right-footed volley out of the air from Marcus Thuram’s cushioned pass—flew past Emiliano Martínez.
Mbappé will look to extend his newly claimed goalscoring record when France faces Iraq in their second World Cup Group stage match at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Tuesday.
