Kylian Mbappe flute celebration, explained: How James Corden inspired France star’s new goal celebration
Kylian Mbappe has never been much of a dancer. The Real Madrid and France man has scored gobs of goals across his decade-long career, garnering praise as one of the finest bagman of his — or any — generation.
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Most of those finishes have taken on a similar approach. Mbappe sweeps the ball into the net, sending the crowd into raptures. Then, he tucks hands beneath his arm in joy, beaming as his teammates swarm him.
In France’s 3-1 win over Senegal, his celebration took on a different disposition. Here’s what you need to know about Mbappe’s first goal — and subsequent flute celebration — from Tuesday’s match.
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Kylian Mbappe flute celebration, explained
Mbappe opened the scoring with a flourish on Tuesday afternoon, slipping beyond Senegal’s defense before sliding the ball beyond Edouard Mendy’s outstretched grasp.
It was a noteworthy strike for the French supernova, who tied Olivier Giroud’s mark with his 58th international goal for France. Predictably, he capped off the move with a flourish, wheeling towards the French supporters in celebration. Instead of finishing with his signature gesture — tucking two arms beneath his armpits in honor of his brother — Mbappe mimicked a flutist, fixing his fingers in an ode to the percussion instrument.
MAGIC MBAPPÉ 🇫🇷
He scores his first goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup for France pic.twitter.com/HcLPFkkp4X
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 16, 2026
It was a celebration months in the making. Mbappe talked about his passion for the flute during an interview with British presenter James Corden.
KYLIAN Mbappe showing off his flute-playing skills with James Cordon😆 pic.twitter.com/Hb8l3Zo3v0 https://t.co/WAnkt5W1hD
— utdzaire🇨🇩 (@utdZaiire) June 13, 2026
Mbappe vowed to do a flute celebration in his first match with Senegal should he scored. He kept his promise in the 66th minute, much to French fans’ delight.
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MORE: Why Kylian Mbappe tucks hands underneath armpits when he scores
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