Kylian Mbappe Closes in on Thierry Henry & Olivier Giroud in France History Books

Dazzling Nations League Display Against Germany Brings Mbappe Closer to Les Bleus Immortality

There are players who break records, and then there are those who redefine what records even mean. Kylian Mbappe falls into the latter category.

On a sun-soaked evening in Rotterdam, as the Nations League third-place play-off saw France take on long-time rivals Germany, all eyes were once again on the 25-year-old captain—and he didn’t disappoint. A goal, an assist, and a dominant performance reminded everyone just why Kylian Mbappe is edging closer to becoming the greatest goalscorer in France’s history, inching past legends like Thierry Henry and closing in fast on Olivier Giroud.

A Leader Among Stars: Kylian Mbappe’s Show-Stopping Performance

From the first whistle, it was clear that Kylian Mbappe had come to play—not just to compete, but to take control. With France still licking their wounds after a dramatic 5-4 defeat to Spain earlier in the week, this was more than just a bronze medal match. It was about pride. It was about response. And for Kylian Mbappe, it was personal.

As the first half ticked toward a close, it was Aurelien Tchouameni who floated in a teasing cross into the German box. What came next was vintage Kylian. With one silky touch to bring the ball down and a second to twist past the German defense, he blasted it low and hard past Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

It was his 50th international goal—a milestone achieved in just his 90th appearance. That kind of strike rate is the stuff of legends, and Kylian Mbappe now sits just one shy of Thierry Henry’s 51-goal total, with Giroud’s all-time record of 57 firmly in his sights.

An Unselfish Star: Kylian Mbappe the Creator

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While many players would chase personal glory once they’re within arm’s reach of a record, Kylian Mbappe showed another side to his game late in the second half.

With Germany pushing for an equalizer, a poor clearance gave the French skipper a clear run at goal in the 84th minute. It was the perfect opportunity for him to grab a brace—and move level with Henry. But instead, he squared it calmly to Michael Olise, who tapped in for his first international goal and sealed the 2-0 win.

It was a subtle reminder that Kylian Mbappe isn’t just a goalscorer. He’s a team-first player, a leader who knows when to pass and when to pounce.

“That’s what makes Kylian special,” said head coach Didier Deschamps post-match. “He knows the moment. Whether it’s finishing or assisting, he makes the right choice.”

Closing in on History: Henry & Giroud Within Reach

With this latest strike, Kylian Mbappe now has 50 goals in 90 games—a phenomenal ratio of 0.56 goals per game. To compare:

• Thierry Henry: 51 goals in 123 appearances (0.41 goals/game)

• Olivier Giroud: 57 goals in 137 appearances (0.42 goals/game)

Assuming Kylian Mbappe continues his current scoring rhythm, he could eclipse Giroud’s record before the end of 2025, if not sooner. It seems a matter of when, not if.

What’s perhaps most incredible is that Kylian Mbappe is still only 25 years old. Where Henry and Giroud built their tallies over long, winding careers, Kylian Mbappe is building his legacy at warp speed.

A Glimpse of the Future: France’s Attacking Depth

While Kylian Mbappe was the star, the game also showcased the depth of France’s attack. Olise, fresh off a strong club season with Crystal Palace, slotted in seamlessly. Desire Doue, Rennes’ Champions League hero, also impressed off the bench.

This generation of Les Bleus attackers looks frighteningly good. When you can bring Olise and Doue off the bench to support a front line featuring Kylian Mbappe, you’re not rebuilding—you’re reloading.

With Antoine Griezmann aging and Giroud nearing retirement, the next generation looks more than ready to carry the torch. But it’s Kylian Mbappe who stands at the center of it all—both literally and symbolically.

Redemption After Spain Defeat

Make no mistake: France’s 5-4 semi-final loss to Spain was a bitter pill. Despite scoring four goals, they were uncharacteristically fragile at the back, and the pain of missing out on another trophy was evident.

Mbappe, ever the competitor, looked particularly gutted after that defeat. But true to form, he responded on the pitch, and that’s exactly what separates elite players from the rest.

This bronze medal match may not carry the same weight as a final, but for Kylian Mbappe and his teammates, it was a moment to set things right, to reset the narrative, and to remind the world: France are still among the best in the game.

What’s Next for Kylian Mbappe and France?

Kylian Mbappe Real Madrid 2025

As the international window closes, France will shift focus to 2026 World Cup qualifiers, which begin in September. Group D features tricky opponents like Ukraine and Iceland, but with Kylian Mbappe leading the line, Les Bleus will be favorites to top the group with ease.

Before that, however, Kylian Mbappe turns his attention to his new club duties with Real Madrid, where the pressure will be just as intense. Los Blancos face Al-Hilal in the FIFA Club World Cup opener, and the Spanish giants will be counting on their latest Galáctico to deliver silverware.

If Kylian Mbappe continues on his current trajectory, 2025 may be the year he becomes France’s all-time leading scorer, leads Madrid to global titles, and solidifies his place among the true greats of world football.

Final Word: A Legacy in the Making

Some players leave their mark over decades. Kylian Mbappe is doing it in fast-forward.

He’s chasing down legends—not just with his feet, but with humility, intelligence, and an instinct for the big moments. And with Henry and Giroud firmly in his rearview mirror, it’s clear the French captain is not just writing history—he’s redefining it.

And something tells us… he’s just getting started.