FRANCE manager Didier Deschamps bowed to Kylian Mbappe after the superstar forward broke a World Cup record.
The European giants strolled to victory over on Tuesday to book their spot in the Round of 16.
Didier Deschamps bowed to Kylian Mbappe as he subbed him off against Sweden Credit: AFP
The French forward scored twice to break a World Cup record in the fixture Credit: AP
The man was the star of the show, bagging two of his nation’s three goals to cruise past former boss ‘s side.
But not only was it a massive moment for his country, but for him on a personal note.
The 27-year-old entered the fixture joint-top of the list of scorers in the knockout stages of the World Cup, with eight.
and fellow Brazilian Leonidas da Silva had also racked up the same tally, meaning a goal would see Mbappe go top outright.
That means his double took him clear and gave him a cushion with a new tally of ten knockout goals.
He could even have had more, with a would-be opener being chalked off for an offside offence, before Mbappe struck the post after escaping his man in the box.
was clearly appreciative of his knockout-football talisman, as he made a humble gesture towards the player when withdrawing him later in the game.
A smiling Deschamps, 57, bowed with his head and hands towards the star as he left the pitch in the 87th minute.
Didier Deschamps bows down to the greatness of Kylian Mbappe! 🙌😅 #FifaWorldCup pic.twitter.com/9OD6BTHY8G
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) June 30, 2026
Mbappe hugged Deschamps after scoring his opener in the clash Credit: Getty
It was a small gesture of respect for a player he clearly shares a deep bond with, especially after the forward celebrated his first goal by running straight to Deschamps and hugging him.
in a show of solidarity with their beloved manager, on his return after he as he flew home to .
The French tactician will be hoping to see even more from his star man as the tournament continues, and Mbappe will be even hungrier than before.
He is just one goal behind as the top goalscorer in the history of the World Cup.
The entire team joined the huddle just days after Deschamps travelled for his mum’s funeral Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
The Argentine legend boasts 19 strikes in the competition, while Mbappe’s double brought him up to 18.
The goals came in his 18th appearance in the competition, and if he keeps that rate up, French fans can expect him to make history before the tournament is over.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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