Kylian Mbappe netted a brace for France in their 3-1 victory over Senegal on Tuesday, marking his first goal with an unusual celebration that had many viewers puzzled. The Real Madrid superstar played an imaginary flute after scoring, a gesture that originated from a conversation with James Corden.
Mbappe had a slow start to the match, but France came alive in the second half. In the 66th minute, he connected with a brilliant pass from Michael Olise and calmly slotted past Edouard Mendy to give his side the lead. The 27-year-old then mimed playing a flute, a move that was understood by those who had seen Corden's American World Cup show After Hours.
During the show, Corden spoke with Mbappe in a car and learned that the striker had played the flute as a child, encouraged by his parents to explore various skills. Corden suggested Mbappe should pretend to play the flute if he scored in the opening game, and Mbappe agreed.
Explaining his flute background, Mbappe said: 'My parents wanted me to do many things and explore many things, to open my mind to do all the things. Because we never know what's going to happen.' When asked if he could have been a great flautist, he replied: 'I was not. I did it for one year or two, but it was fun to do.'
Corden quickly convinced the Frenchman to adopt the celebration. 'First game against Senegal if I score? Yeah I'll do it for you, first game,' Mbappe said.
Mbappe faced criticism from Real Madrid fans this season after the club failed to win major trophies, falling short in La Liga and the Champions League. Despite scoring 42 goals in 44 appearances, some fans booed him and a petition circulated demanding his sale. However, Mbappe dismissed the idea that his double against Senegal was a revenge mission, stating it would be impossible to please everyone.
'There is no revenge,' he said. 'If I started playing for all the people who criticise me and to shut them up, I would have to play until I'm 80. After my brace, I thought about my relatives, my family, my close friends who were here today. Every time I score it's for them.'
Bradley Barcola scored France's other goal at the New Jersey Stadium in a statement win for Didier Deschamps' side against a strong Senegal team. The first half was poor, but France improved dramatically in the second half, showcasing a devastating set of forwards. Deschamps started Mbappe, Olise, Ousmane Dembele, and Desire Doue, and brought on Barcola and Rayan Cherki from the bench.
