Kylian Mbappe is now in the lead in the race to the World Cup 2022 Golden Boot award. The 23-year-old player is now at the top of the tournament’s scoring charts with five goals after scoring two goals in France’s 3-1 win over Poland in the Round of 16 on Sunday night.
With nine World Cup goals in his career, Mbappe has one more goal at the tournament than Cristiano Ronaldo and is tied with Lionel Messi. His five knockout stage goals mean that he and Pele are the only players to reach this tally before the age of 24.
“This is competition of my dreams, and I am delighted to be here,” Mbappe said after the win. “When I didn’t speak to the media in the early rounds of this competition, it was because I just needed to focus on tournament and my football. When I want to concentrate, that’s how I function, but when I was told the French Federation would be fined, I paid it myself because it was my responsibility.”
According to Poland coach Czeslaw Michniewicz, Mbappe is “unstoppable” when he is on top form. He also stated that Mbappe is football’s next great superstar, labeling him as a natural successor to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
France next faces England in their quarterfinal clash on Saturday.
