France captain Kylian Mbappe has vowed to sharpen his defensive game as Les Bleus begin their World Cup against Senegal on Tuesday.
The 27‑year‑old Real Madrid striker, often criticised for limited defensive effort, admitted even his younger brother Ethan teases him about it. “I need to take the extra step because it’s important for the team. This time it will start because we want to win,” Mbappe told La Parisien.
Despite topping La Liga’s scoring charts, he ranked among the lowest in Europe for tackles and interceptions. Yet his World Cup record remains stellar: 12 goals in 14 matches, including a hat‑trick in the 2022 final. One more strike will see him equal Olivier Giroud as France’s all‑time top scorer.
France follow their opener with group games against Iraq and Norway, with Mbappe determined to lead by example in his first World Cup as captain.
