Mbappé Fires France Past Paraguay With Last-16 Penalty as World Cup Crowns Its Leading Star
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jul 8
Mbappé Fires France Past Paraguay With Last-16 Penalty as World Cup Crowns Its Leading Star
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 8
Summary
A decisive late penalty from Kylian Mbappé sent France past Paraguay in a bruising World Cup last-16 match, reinforcing his status as the tournament’s defining player.
The goal added to a World Cup run that has showcased Mbappé’s speed, power and composure, while extending a career arc that has already made him France’s all-time leading scorer and Real Madrid’s central figure.
Off the pitch, Mbappé has become a cultural focal point as well, with viral memes, sharp press-conference performances and a forceful public denunciation of racist abuse from a Paraguayan senator after the match.
That blend of match-winning output and public presence has elevated him beyond star status at this tournament, casting the 27-year-old as both France’s leader and the World Cup’s dominant personality.