Kylian Mbappé Surpasses Thierry Henry as France's Second All-Time Top Scorer

September 9, 2025 – Kylian Mbappé etched his name deeper into French football history tonight, surpassing Thierry Henry to become the nation's second-highest goalscorer with 52 goals. The Real Madrid forward achieved the milestone during a 2-1 UEFA Nations League victory over Iceland at Stade de France, cementing his status as one of the game’s brightest talents at just 26 years old.

Mbappé’s decisive strike came in the first half, showcasing his trademark pace and clinical finishing. The goal, his 52nd in 85 appearances, outstrips Henry’s 51 goals accrued over 123 caps, underlining Mbappé’s remarkable efficiency. Only Olivier Giroud, with 57 goals, remains ahead on the all-time list.

The match highlighted France’s strategic dependence on Mbappé’s abilities, with coach Didier Deschamps praising his impact post-game. “His work rate and finishing are world-class,” Deschamps noted. The victory keeps France’s Nations League campaign on track, though Iceland’s resilience tested the defending champions.

This achievement follows Mbappé’s recent form, including a standout performance in France’s 2-0 win over Ukraine earlier this month. As he closes in on Giroud’s record, speculation mounts about his potential to redefine French football’s scoring legacy in the coming years.