Olivier Giroud on His Special Bond With Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappé has reached 14 World Cup goals, placing him within two goals of the all-time tournament record held by Miroslav Klose and Lionel Messi. According to Olivier Giroud, the forward’s clinical nature and “selfish” instinct are essential traits for a striker, a quality Giroud witnessed firsthand during their time as teammates for France.
Did You Know? Kylian Mbappé scored his first World Cup goal in 2018 against Peru in Yekaterinburg, a match where he tapped in a shot from Olivier Giroud that was already heading into the net.
The Evolution of a Record-Breaker
Mbappé’s path to becoming one of the most prolific scorers in World Cup history began during the 2018 tournament in Russia. Giroud, who played alongside him from 2017, notes that the striker’s drive to secure goals is a necessity of the position. Despite suggestions of rivalry over goals, Giroud maintains that any striker in that position would have acted identically to ensure the ball crossed the line.
At 27 years old, Mbappé has significant opportunities to surpass the current record of 16 goals. With 99 caps for France, he is also closing in on Hugo Lloris’s record of 145 appearances. Giroud suggests that if Mbappé continues his current trajectory, he is likely to claim both the scoring and appearance records for the national team.
Expert Insight: The Striker’s Mindset
Expert Insight: The “selfishness” described by Giroud is a hallmark of elite strikers, often characterized as a survival instinct in the penalty area. By securing the goal against Peru, Mbappé demonstrated the predatory focus required at the highest level of international football. His ability to adapt his game—moving from a target-man partnership with Giroud to a current creative link with Michael Olise—suggests a player who is evolving his tactical utility while maintaining his primary role as a finisher.
Future Implications for the French National Team
As Mbappé continues his career, his role within the French squad appears to be shifting. Giroud highlights a developing connection between Mbappé and Michael Olise, which was evident during France’s recent match against Senegal. Observers may expect this partnership to become a focal point for the team’s attacking strategy in upcoming fixtures.
Whether Mbappé can overtake the combined record of Klose and Messi will likely depend on his fitness and the longevity of his international career. Given his age and current form, he is positioned to remain a central figure for France for at least one more World Cup cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many World Cup goals has Kylian Mbappé scored?
Kylian Mbappé has scored 14 goals in the World Cup.
Did Olivier Giroud mind when Mbappé scored from his shot against Peru?
No. Giroud stated he was not unhappy, noting that any striker would have done the same to ensure a goal was scored.
What is the record for the most caps for the French national team?
Hugo Lloris holds the record for the most caps for France with 145 appearances.
What records do you believe Mbappé is most likely to break in his remaining years with France?