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KYLIAN Mbappé made football history by becoming the first player to claim the FIFA World Cup Golden Boot twice after Lionel Messi failed to add to his goal tally in Argentina's final defeat against Spain.
The captain of France finished the tournament as the leading scorer with 10 goals, two ahead of Messi, who ended his campaign with eight goals after Argentina's 1-0 loss to Spain in Sunday's final.
England midfielder Jude Bellingham and Norway striker Erling Haaland shared third place in the scoring rankings, with both players scoring seven goals during the tournament.
Mbappé, 27, previously won the Golden Boot at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after scoring eight goals, despite France losing to Argentina in the final.
AFP reported that the Real Madrid forward, who made his World Cup debut in 2018, further strengthened his legacy by scoring twice in France's third-place play-off victory over England, which ended in a 6-4 win.
With 22 goals across three World Cup tournaments, Mbappé has now become the competition's all-time leading scorer, moving one goal ahead of Messi, who was unable to find his best form as Argentina's title defence ended in disappointment.
"When you score that many goals in the World Cup, it certainly takes you to a whole new level," Mbappé said after France's victory over England.
"But I would have preferred not to be the top scorer and to have played in the final. It’s good for my legacy once I’ve retired, but right now, that’s not what’s on my mind."
Outgoing France manager Didier Deschamps, who has overseen Mbappé's rise through three World Cup campaigns, hailed the forward's quality and leadership.
"He's an extraordinary player. He is a brilliant captain," Deschamps said.
Spain's Rodri claimed the Golden Ball award as the tournament's best player, while compatriot Unai Simón secured the Golden Glove after conceding only once in eight matches.
Teenage Spain defender Pau Cubarsí, 19, was named the FIFA Young Player Award winner for his impressive performances throughout the tournament. - July 20, 2026
