Kylian Mbappe unveiled a brand-new goal celebration during France's opening World Cup 2026 match against Senegal — and the story behind it traces back to a late-night chat show appearance earlier this month.

In the 66th minute in New Jersey, Mbappe raced onto Michael Olise's through ball and finished low past Edouard Mendy to put Les Bleus ahead. Instead of his usual routine, the Real Madrid forward ran to the byline and mimed playing a flute, to the delight of his team-mates and the French supporters in the crowd.

The promise made to James Corden

The celebration had been quietly arranged weeks before. During a guest appearance on James Corden's After Hours show, which aired earlier this month, Mbappe revealed he had played the flute as a child. "My parents wanted me to do many things and explore many things, to open my mind to do all the things," the 27-year-old said. "Because we never know what's going to happen."

Corden produced a flute on the spot and invited Mbappe to play a few notes — which he duly did. The host then joked that it could become a new goal celebration, and the France captain shook his hand and replied: "I will do it for you, first game."

Tuesday night in New Jersey was that first game, and Mbappe kept his word — miming the flute before being mobbed by his team-mates.

Record-breaking night for France

The goal was Mbappe's 58th for his country, drawing him level with Olivier Giroud as France's all-time top scorer. He did not stop there. Deep in stoppage time, he thundered in a long-range strike to seal a 3-1 victory and move past Giroud's record outright.

Substitute Bradley Barcola had doubled France's lead with eight minutes remaining, before Ibrahim Mbaye pulled one back for Senegal in stoppage time — only for Mbappe to have the final say.

It had not all been straightforward for the France captain. He endured a quiet first hour and was denied what appeared to be a clear penalty when Sadio Mane brought him down, a decision that visibly frustrated him. But once he broke the deadlock, there was no looking back.

France now turn their attention to their next Group I fixture, when they face Iraq in Philadelphia next Monday.