France forward becomes the first player to finish as the FIFA World Cup’s top scorer on two occasions after ending the 2026 tournament with 10 goals.
France forward Kylian Mbappe made FIFA World Cup history on Sunday by becoming the first player to win the Golden Boots on two separate occasions, cementing his status among football’s greatest goalscorers despite France finishing fourth at the 2026 tournament.
Mbappe concluded the FIFA World Cup with 10 goals and four assists, comfortably finishing as the competition’s leading scorer after Argentina captain Lionel Messi failed to score in his side’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the final.
The French striker had previously claimed the Golden Boot at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar after scoring eight goals, making him the first player in the tournament’s history to finish as the top scorer in two different World Cups.
Although France narrowly missed out on a place in the final, Mbappe’s outstanding performances throughout the tournament ensured he retained his reputation as one of the world’s most prolific forwards.
Messi finished the tournament with eight goals and four assists, falling two goals short of Mbappe’s tally after Argentina were denied a successful title defence by Spain.
Messi remains in contention for Golden Ball
Despite missing out on the Golden Boot, Messi remains one of the leading contenders for the Golden Ball, the award presented to the tournament’s outstanding player.
The 39-year-old Argentine is already the only footballer to have won the prestigious individual honour more than once since it was introduced at the FIFA World Cup in 1978.
Messi once again played a pivotal role in Argentina’s run to the final, contributing eight goals and four assists before his team’s campaign ended in defeat against Spain.
Mbappe’s record-breaking Golden Boot further enhances an already remarkable World Cup career, while Messi’s performances ensured the Argentine legend remained among the standout players of the tournament despite the disappointment of losing the final.