The striker played a key role in the 3-1 victory but acknowledged the challenges faced by the French national team. Kylian Mbappé launched the 2026 World Cup campaign spectacularly.
The forward scored two goals in France’s 3-1 win over Senegal, this Tuesday in New Jersey, becoming one of the standout players of the match. However, after the final whistle, it wasn’t just his goals that caught attention, but also his pointed comments directed at critics.
Speaking post-match, the French star made it clear that he doesn’t let criticism affect him and gave a sharp response to those who frequently scrutinize his career:
– If I had to play for every person who criticizes me, I’d probably need to play until I’m 80 years old – he stated.
Mbappé also expressed his pride in representing his nation and emphasized the ultimate goal for the French team in this World Cup:
– I am part of my country’s history. It’s an honor to witness this team’s journey. My ambition is to see us reach the final and lift the World Cup trophy.
Although the result was favorable, Mbappé acknowledged that France did not meet expectations for much of the game. The current World Cup runners-up struggled to maintain control during the first half and faced moments of intense pressure from the Senegalese side.
According to the forward, the team still has work to do if they hope to reach their peak performance during the tournament. Following their win over Senegal, the French national team has taken the lead in Group I, making significant progress towards securing a spot in the Round of 16.