Mbappe Matches Henry's Goal Record in World Cup Qualifier
France captain Kylian Mbappe described it as "crazy" to equal Thierry Henry's goal tally for the national team at the age of 26.
The Real Madrid forward reached 51 goals for his country with a stunning solo effort in the 82nd minute, doubling France's lead in their 2-0 victory over Ukraine in World Cup qualifying on Friday.
Mbappe now stands six goals shy of Olivier Giroud's all-time French record of 57 goals.
"Big up to Titi [Henry], but now I want to surpass him," said Mbappe. "It's an honor to equal a player like Henry; everyone knows what he means to us French people, especially to strikers. He paved the way, and I have a lot of respect and admiration for him."
Henry was part of the French squad that won the 1998 World Cup at home when he was just 20, while Mbappe was 19 during France's triumph in Russia in 2018.
Both players trail Giroud in terms of appearances for the national team, with Giroud holding the record at 137 caps, while Henry concluded his international career with 123 caps and Mbappe currently has 90.
France aimed to defend their title at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and reached the final, where Mbappe scored a hat-trick, but the team ultimately lost to Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, in a penalty shootout.
Mbappe is on track to surpass Giroud, who retired from international football after France's defeat to Spain in the European Championship semi-finals last year.
"The record is getting closer, but it's not something I think about," Mbappe noted. "I don't know if it's because I believe I can beat it or because I have more important things on my mind. Reaching this milestone so early is crazy, but I embrace it. I want to keep going and, above all, win games and titles."
In the match against Ukraine, Bayern Munich's Michael Olise opened the scoring for Didier Deschamps' side just 10 minutes in, marking their first Group D qualifying match for next year's World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Paris Saint-Germain's Ousmane Dembele replaced teammate Desire Doue at halftime but left the game due to injury in the 81st minute, making way for Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike, who made his debut.