Kylian Mbappe greeted Thierry Henry for freeing the road for future France stars, after matching the Les Bleus legend on 51 international goals.
The Real Madrid-Aas scored the second of France in a 2-0 world cup qualifying victory over Ukraine in Poland on Friday.
Mbappe therefore moves within six goals of the record of his country, held by Olivier Giroud, and second on the list next to former Arsenal and Barcelona striker Henry.
Speaking about the level from Henry to TF1, Mbappe said: “Big Up for Titi! But I want to continue there now.
“It is an honor to match a player like Thierry Henry. Everyone knows what he means for us French, even more for the strikers. He is someone who has paved the way. I have a lot of respect and admiration for him.
“To achieve this number so early is not of this world. I want to continue and especially win competitions and titles.
“The album, it’s getting closer, it’s not something I think about. I don’t know if I think I can beat him or because I think there are more important things.
“But it is true that the top scorer in the history of the France team is not nothing.”
51 – Kylian Mbappé scored his 51st goal for France, equal to Thierry Henry as the second highest score ever of the team (57 for Olivier Giroud). Jefe. pic.twitter.com/oerchgcygr
– Optajan (@Optajan) September 5, 2025
Mbappe achieved 51 goals in 32 fewer caps than Henry (91 compared to 123), with his goal that contributes to the 10th minute Opener of Michael Olise.
It means that France add their next opponents Iceland on three points after the opening round of group D lamatures in the UEFA part of World Cup qualification.
Mbappe added: “The coach [Didier Deschamps] I wanted us to start this qualifying phase well.
“We play against a complicated team that gives everything. We had a moment of hesitation in the second half, but we generally had control.
“We had the opportunity to create opportunities, good movement, we created danger. We could have made the score worse for them, but it is already a good start.”
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