Why Kylian Mbappé mimed a flute after scoring against Senegal | OneFootball

France opened their 2026 World Cup with a 3-1 win over Senegal at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on Tuesday 16 June 2026, and captain Kylian Mbappé marked his goal by miming a flute, a celebration he had promised.

He struck on 66 minutes and delivered the gesture, then later added a second. The first drew him level with Olivier Giroud on 57, the second took him clear as France’s all-time leading scorer. Appearing with James Corden before the match, Mbappé said, "My parents wanted me to do lots of things, to explore lots of areas to open my mind. I did it for one or two years, but it was funny", speaking to Fox Sports.

On set, Corden handed him a flute and invited him to try again. Mbappé produced a sound at the third attempt and laughed, "I have lost it all."

When the idea of turning it into a celebration was floated, he replied, "I will do it for you in the first match."

Known for his arms-folded pose, Mbappé said he would change it this once, and he kept his word against Senegal.

Source: Le Progres