Kylian Mbappe will take part in just a third World Cup this summer, though he has a chance to cement his name further in the history books.
While he very nearly single-handedly carried France to back-to-back World Cup wins, Mbappe left Qatar 2022 by enhancing his reputation as one of the most prolific goalscorers in the tournament’s history.
In 14 World Cup appearances, Mbappe has 12 goals which means he has averaged a goal every 0.86 minutes at the finals.
Looking ahead to World Cup 2026 and beyond, there is every chance the 27-year-old becomes the overall top goalscorer in World Cup history, potentially setting a record that may never be broken.
That honour, currently, is held by former Germany striker Miroslav Klose (16) after he surpassed Brazil legend Ronaldo (15) during the 2014 World Cup.
Miroslav Klose’s World Cup record is under serious threat
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How many goals does Kylian Mbappe need to become World Cup all-time leading scorer?
Mbappe needs four goals to equal the record and five to claim the record outright. For context, the forward scored four times in 2018 and eight times in 2022.
As such, if he continues at this rate, he will tie with Klose at the very least.
France have been drawn in Group I alongside Senegal, Norway and Iraq. Mbappe will be expected to get off the mark in the group stages, and may be targeting a hatful against Iraq.
As one of the favourites to win the entire tournament, the deeper France go then the chances of Mbappe claiming the record will increase.
However, Lionel Messi poses a threat to his former Paris Saint-Germain team-mate on what is expected to be his last World Cup.
Competition: Lionel Messi is chasing more history at this summer’s World Cup
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Messi scored seven times in Qatar 2022, including two in the final against France to inspire Argentina to a penalty shootout victory and take his tally to 13 goals in 26 World Cup appearances.
Therefore, Messi is four goals away from becoming the all-time top goalscorer in World Cup history – provided, of course, Mbappe does not score five beforehand.
The legendary Argentine will turn 39 during the tournament, though last summer’s Club World Cup proved he is still capable of magic moments despite his age and that sets up an intriguing battle with Mbappe.
