Washington: French superstar Kylian Mbappe etched his name into football history after becoming the first player to win the FIFA World Cup Golden Boot on two occasions. The 27-year-old striker finished as the tournament’s highest scorer, adding another prestigious individual honour to his remarkable career.
Mbappe concluded the World Cup with 10 goals and four assists, producing another outstanding campaign despite France ending the tournament in fourth place. His tally was boosted by a brilliant performance in the third-place playoff against England, where he scored twice and provided an assist.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi, who entered the World Cup final level with Mbappe on eight goals, failed to register either a goal or an assist in his side’s 1-0 defeat to Spain. It marked the first time in his last 12 World Cup appearances that Messi was unable to contribute directly to a goal, allowing Mbappe to finish comfortably ahead in the race for the Golden Boot.
Before the final weekend, both stars were tied on goals, while Messi held the edge through assists. However, Mbappe’s clinical display in France’s final match of the tournament shifted the balance decisively in his favour.
The achievement places Mbappe in an exclusive category, making him the first footballer to secure the Golden Boot at two separate World Cups. His 10-goal haul also made him the first player to reach double figures in a single World Cup since Germany legend Gerd Müller scored 10 goals during the 1970 tournament.
While the Golden Boot belonged to Mbappe, attention also turned to other individual honours, including the Golden Ball for the tournament’s best player, the Golden Glove for the top goalkeeper and the Best Young Player Award.
Spain’s impressive title-winning campaign strengthened the credentials of goalkeeper Unai Simón and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who emerged as strong contenders for the remaining awards after playing pivotal roles in their country’s World Cup triumph.
Although France narrowly missed out on a podium finish, Mbappe’s record-breaking performance ensured he remained one of the defining stars of the tournament, once again demonstrating why he is regarded as one of the finest footballers of his generation.
